Siaya County has taken a bold step toward universal healthcare access after Governor James Orengo signed the Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCA) Act of 2024. The new law guarantees that all emergency medical cases will be treated in county health facilities, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, reinforcing healthcare as a fundamental right. Facilities that cannot handle certain emergencies are now required to make timely referrals instead of detaining patients, ensuring prompt and lifesaving care.
The legislation also introduces a dedicated Reproductive Health Fund, earmarked to strengthen maternal and reproductive health services amid declining foreign aid. County Assembly Health Committee Chairman Bernard Adala emphasized the law’s significance, noting that no patient will be turned away in emergencies, including accidents and critical illnesses. Nominated County Assembly Member Cynthia Ndar highlighted the law’s role in tackling pressing public health challenges, such as teenage pregnancies, new HIV infections, and gender-based violence. With Siaya’s teenage pregnancy rate at 21%—higher than the national average of 15%—officials expect the Act to help reverse this trend.
Siaya County Reproductive Health Coordinator Pamela Josephine Anyango stated that the law will enhance skilled birth deliveries and provide a structured approach to reproductive health services. Partners involved in drafting the legislation, including the Science and Wash Network Kenya (SWANET) and Access to Medicines Platform, praised the county’s leadership and pledged ongoing support for its implementation. The law positions Siaya as a pioneer in Kenya, setting a model for universal access to emergency and reproductive healthcare while reinforcing the county’s commitment to improving public health outcomes.