ITEN, Elgeyo Marakwet — President William Ruto on Sunday officially inaugurated the Mother and Child Hospital at Iten County Referral Hospital, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to improve maternal and child health. The event was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Governor Wesley Rotich, and other senior officials. Ahead of the inauguration, CS Nakhumicha planted a symbolic tree at the hospital’s premises, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of mothers and newborns.
The facility comes at a critical time for Kenya, where maternal mortality remains high. According to the 2020 estimates, approximately 530 women die per 100,000 live births, translating to nearly 6,500 maternal deaths annually. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 also reported an infant mortality rate of 32 per 1,000 live births, with neonatal deaths accounting for 66 percent of these fatalities. The new hospital is expected to enhance access to quality maternal and child healthcare in Elgeyo Marakwet and support Kenya’s strides toward Universal Health Coverage.
Health experts and policymakers hailed the hospital as a landmark achievement. Officials emphasized that the facility will not only provide specialized services for mothers and children but also serve as a hub for training, community outreach, and emergency care. Looking forward, the government aims to reduce maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality to 12 per 1,000 by 2030, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals. The hospital’s inauguration represents a crucial step in this ongoing national effort.