Kenya to Build 10 Maternal Hospitals in 9 Counties

Thousands of Kenyan mothers and babies will soon have access to lifesaving care thanks to a new agreement that will bring 10 specialized maternal hospitals to nine counties across the nation.

President William Ruto witnessed the signing of the landmark deal with Tanzania's AMSONS Group, marking a major step forward in Kenya's push to ensure no mother dies during childbirth and every newborn gets a healthy start. The project, called A Promise to Life, targets both urban centers and underserved rural areas where access to quality maternal care remains limited.

The new hospitals will open in Nairobi, Kwale, Mombasa, Garissa, Kisumu, Embu, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and West Pokot. These locations were chosen specifically because demand for specialized maternal and newborn services currently outpaces available care.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized that the initiative aligns with Kenya's Universal Health Coverage goals. "This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that no mother dies while giving life and that every newborn has the best possible start," Duale said.

The partnership supports the Mama na Mtoto Kwanza vision, which translates to "Mother and Child First." This philosophy places maternal and child health at the center of healthcare delivery, recognizing that healthy mothers and babies create healthier communities.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of these hospitals will extend far beyond their walls. By bringing essential services closer to communities, the facilities will reduce the burden on overcrowded public hospitals while cutting down preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.

The project also strengthens Kenya's role in the global Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere campaign, an international effort to eliminate preventable maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. When one country makes progress, it creates momentum and shares lessons that benefit maternal health programs everywhere.

Families in counties like West Pokot and Garissa, where traveling to specialized care often means hours of difficult journeys, will finally have critical services within reach.

This investment represents more than buildings and equipment. It's a promise that every Kenyan mother matters, no matter where she lives.