Maternal Health Improvement Linked to Community Midwives

A growing body of evidence shows that Kenya’s Community Midwifery Model (CMM) is having a positive impact on maternal and newborn health, particularly in underserved rural areas. A quasi-experimental study in Busia County found that community midwives — many of them retired or out-of-work licensed nurses — significantly boosted the proportion of live births and reduced neonatal deaths. These midwives also provided crucial continuity of care during pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period, working closely with community health volunteers and health facilities to ensure safe referrals.
In Baringo County, the role of midwives has been further strengthened through targeted support: local midwives have received Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) kits and mentorship training, enabling them to handle obstetric emergencies on the spot rather than refer women long distances. Meanwhile, maternal mortality in some areas has declined, thanks to the proactive role these midwives play.
The transformation is not just clinical — it’s cultural. In Kilifi County, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are being retrained as champions for hospital deliveries, helping to shift deeply rooted delivery practices toward safer, facility-based births. Community members say this has built trust and reduced fear around hospital delivery, making maternal care more acceptable and accessible.
Looking ahead, policymakers and health advocates see community midwives as a cost-effective bridge in Kenya’s journey to universal maternal health coverage. By investing in their training, linking them to formal health systems, and equipping them with life-saving tools, Kenya can meaningfully reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths — especially in remote and resource-limited areas.