Maternal Deaths Decline as More Women Access Skilled Delivery

Kenya is witnessing a hopeful turn in maternal health, as increased access to skilled birth attendants appears to be driving a measurable drop in maternal deaths. According to health sector leaders, more expectant mothers are choosing to deliver in health facilities staffed by trained professionals, which has strengthened safe childbirth practices. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing preventable maternal deaths, saying, No woman should die giving life, as part of a renewed national push.
This progress comes against a challenging backdrop. Despite improvements, Kenya’s maternal mortality ratio remains alarmingly high, estimated at about 355 deaths per 100,000 live births. Experts point out that while the proportion of births attended by skilled health workers has increased—from about 62 percent to 70 percent over recent years—many counties still lack well-trained midwives and essential resources to manage childbirth complicationsIn addition, policy analysts warn that some lower-level facilities (Level 2) are restricted from offering delivery services, a move that may limit access to skilled birth care in underserved areas
Reactions from healthcare stakeholders have been broadly supportive but also cautious. Members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) praised the improvements, pointing to better skilled birth attendance and enhanced post‑natal care services. Still, maternal advocates say more needs to be done: national and county governments must guarantee quality continuum of care, ensure emergency obstetric facilities are always ready, and increase the number of trained midwives to cover hard-to-reach regions.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health has unveiled a series of targeted interventions under its No Woman Should Die While Giving Life strategy. These include setting up a national Reproductive-Age Mortality Survey (RAMOS) to better understand the causes of maternal deaths, strengthening the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system, and ensuring 24-hour access to theatres, blood transfusion services, and neonatal resuscitation. If fully implemented, these reforms could accelerate progress toward Kenya’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for reducing maternal mortality — though experts warn that slashing aid or tightening health budgets could jeopardize gains.