As Kenya celebrated International Nurses Week, Kiambu County had a special reason to rejoice. In April, all maternity wards in the county achieved 100 percent facility-based deliveries, with zero maternal deaths reported. This milestone underscores the county’s dedication to improving maternal healthcare and ensuring safe childbirth for every mother.
Kiambu County’s success stems from strong healthcare policies and better hospital facilities. Thika Level 5 Hospital led the way, recording no maternal deaths between January and April 2025. The county’s Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) program has been instrumental in identifying risks and implementing solutions to prevent fatalities.
Health Executive Dr. Elias Maina highlighted the county’s progress. Initially, officials planned for 60,000 deliveries in 2024. However, the number rose by 20 percent, reaching 80,000 births. This increase reflects growing trust in the county’s healthcare system.
To maintain these achievements, Kiambu County has set up special committees at different levels. These groups investigate maternal deaths and work to improve healthcare services. They analyze pregnancy-related complications and recommend solutions to enhance maternal care.
Dr. Maina emphasized the committees’ impact. By identifying and resolving issues quickly, they have improved care for expectant mothers. As a result, all public hospitals with maternity wings reported zero maternal deaths in January, February, and March.
Expectant mothers in Kiambu have noticed significant improvements. Martha Wanjiru, a mother from Ruiru, gave birth to a premature baby weighing 600 grams. She was referred to Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, where specialized care helped her baby’s weight increase to over 1,000 grams. She praised the nurses for their dedication.
Similarly, Mercy Wanjiku from Ting’ang’a delivered her first child at Kiambu Level 5. Impressed by the hospital’s services, she plans to have her second baby there as well.
