Counties Improve Access to Maternal Health Care

Several county governments in Kenya are making substantial investments to strengthen maternal health services — aiming to reduce maternal and newborn mortality by improving facility capacity, training, and community systems. In Kitui County, for example, two fully equipped maternal and newborn units were recently commissioned at Kitui County Referral Hospital and Nuu Sub‑County Hospital. The new wing at the referral hospital includes a 70‑bed Little Angels newborn unit.
In Uasin Gishu County, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale praised the county’s upgrade of its maternal services during his tour of the Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital. The facility now has a 25‑bed newborn unit, modern operating theatres, and improved capacity to handle both routine and emergency obstetric cases.This expansion is seen as part of the broader Taifa Care push to ensure affordable, quality care for mothers under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage scheme.
Technological innovation is also helping: in Nakuru County, the local government — in partnership with Jacaranda Health — has rolled out an AI-based SMS platform called PROMPTS (Promoting Mums Through Pregnancy and Postpartum). Through the platform, expectant and new mothers receive timely health advice, referral information, and postpartum support, helping them navigate danger signs and care more proactively.
In Kisii County, local health authorities have entered into a formal partnership with Jacaranda Health and ThinkWell to build capacity. As part of this collaboration, health workers are being mentored on emergency obstetric and neonatal care, while mothers receive pregnancy and post-birth education through SMS-based information systems.