Duale calls for investment in maternal, newborn health services

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes while strengthening the community health workforce, as part of ongoing efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage.

Speaking in Nairobi during a health forum with community health promoters, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale underscored that reducing maternal and newborn mortality remains a national priority, calling for enhanced investment in community-level facilities to ensure timely access to specialised care.

Duale recommended that key health centres, including Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi, be fully equipped with functional theatres to support safe deliveries and emergency obstetric services closer to communities.

Additionally, the CS emphasised that strengthening frontline services is critical in preventing avoidable maternal deaths and improving the quality of care for mothers and newborns across the country.

Duale noted that accessible, well-equipped facilities will ease pressure on referral hospitals while ensuring timely life-saving interventions at the primary care level.

“To reinforce accountability and patient safety, the Ministry of Health has dispatched a team of health practitioners to investigate the recent death of an expectant mother at St. Elizabeth Mukumu Mission Hospital in Kakamega county,” he said.

A dedicated toll-free hotline is being established to enable the public to report incidents of health negligence across medical facilities to enhance oversight and responsiveness within the health system.

Duale announced that from July 1, 2026, 107,000 CHPs will receive comprehensive medical insurance covering primary healthcare, laboratory tests and specialised treatment.

“The scheme will be financed through a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement between national and county governments,” he said.

Further, Duale emphasised that the initiative is expected to improve the welfare and motivation of CHPs while strengthening their role in delivering preventive and promotive health services at household level.

It will also standardise stipends and improve working conditions, positioning CHPs as a central pillar in early detection of maternal risks, community education and the linkage of expectant mothers to skilled care.