Women in Vihiga have a reason to breathe a little easier after the county government in partnership with Safaricom’s M-Pesa Foundation commissioned a new maternal and child health complex at the referral hospital in Mbale.
The Sh60 million 40-bed facility is more than just a building—it represents hope, safety and lifesaving care for mothers and newborns.
Equipped with prenatal and postnatal services, a neonatal intensive care unit, emergency obstetric care and a fully equipped caesarean section theatre, the complex aims to tackle the persistent challenge of maternal and infant mortality.
Currently, Vihiga records 75 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, a statistic Governor Wilber Ottichilo is determined to reduce.
“No mother deserves to die while bringing forth life. This complex is a major milestone in our commitment to providing quality healthcare for mothers and newborns,” he said during the launch, noting that previously, delayed deliveries were common due to congested facilities and long distances to clinics.
The complex includes a three-bed delivery room, a 12-bed antenatal ward, a 20-bed postnatal ward, an eight-bed newborn unit, pharmacy, reception area, nursing stations and a modern medical gas supply system.
These additions aim to ensure mothers receive timely, specialised care, particularly in complicated cases that can now be referred from smaller health facilities.
M-Pesa Foundation chairman Joseph Ogutu hailed the partnership as a model of how public and private collaboration can transform healthcare.
“Every woman giving birth deserves a safe environment. Maternal health is critical to improving access to quality healthcare across the country,” he said, adding that telemedicine services will soon extend specialised care to mothers in remote areas.
Community health promoters also play a vital role in the initiative.
They are the first line of defence, linking mothers to healthcare services and ensuring early intervention during pregnancy.
Vihiga health executive Nicholas Kitungulu urged CHPs to continue encouraging expectant mothers to seek hospital-based care, emphasising that early monitoring can prevent complications during childbirth.
For expectant mothers like Jane Kavayi, six months pregnant, the facility offers reassurance and peace of mind.
“It is reassuring to know that there is a facility nearby where I can safely deliver my baby. I used to worry about the long distances,” she said.
The Vihiga maternal and child health complex is not just infrastructure—it is a lifeline.
By bridging critical gaps in care, reducing maternal and infant risks and bringing services closer to communities, it embodies a promise that mothers and newborns can now look forward to safer, healthier beginnings.
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