Kenya’s Ministry of Health has launched a new national nutrition program aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of expectant mothers, particularly in rural and low-income communities. The initiative, unveiled in Nairobi, seeks to reduce pregnancy-related complications linked to malnutrition by offering routine nutritional assessments, supplements, and targeted education. Health officials say the program will be integrated into antenatal care services across public facilities, ensuring that more women receive support early in pregnancy.
According to the Ministry, the rollout follows growing concern over rising cases of anemia, undernutrition, and poor dietary diversity among pregnant women in several counties. Recent health surveys also showed that many expectant mothers lack access to reliable nutrition information, resulting in preventable complications such as low birth weight, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to infections. Under the new program, community health promoters will play a central role by conducting household visits, offering counseling, and linking mothers to nearby clinics for follow-up.
Health experts, midwives, and maternal-health advocates have welcomed the initiative, saying it fills a critical gap in Kenya’s reproductive health strategy. They emphasize that better nutrition during pregnancy not only supports healthier deliveries but also improves long-term outcomes for infants, reducing risks of stunting and developmental delays. Several counties have already expressed interest in piloting additional interventions, including kitchen-garden projects and subsidized food packages for vulnerable families.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health says it plans to expand the program based on early feedback and hopes to introduce digital tracking tools that will help monitor mothers’ progress from the first trimester through postpartum. Officials also aim to partner with local farmers’ groups and nutrition organizations to ensure sustainable access to nutritious foods. The government maintains that strengthening maternal nutrition is key to lowering maternal and infant mortality rates and promoting healthier communities nationwide.