At least 4,000 mothers in Murang’a County have benefited from a countywide Mama Kits distribution exercise aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare while promoting safe deliveries.
The exercise, conducted across various health facilities in the county, has been described as a major milestone in the county government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services for expectant mothers and newborns.
According to Murang’a County Nursing Officer Salome Kimani, the initiative is anchored under the County’s Maternal Health Programme and seeks to reduce maternal and infant deaths by encouraging mothers to seek timely medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Kimani said the programme also promotes regular attendance of Antenatal Clinic (ANC) visits, which play a key role in monitoring the health of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.
She noted that mothers who met the set eligibility criteria were issued with Mama Kits at their nearest health facilities making it easier for them to prepare for delivery in a safe and hygienic environment.
“The county government remains committed in ensuring that every mother has access to the support and services she needs during pregnancy and delivery. Through the Mama Kits programme, we are encouraging more women to seek skilled care and deliver in health facilities,” remarked Kimani.
Mama Kits are essential packages that contain items required during childbirth and immediately after delivery.
The initiative help mothers especially those from vulnerable backgrounds to meet some of the basic requirements needed when giving birth at health facilities.
As part of the exercise, Level Four and Level Five hospitals, as well as health centres across the county, received additional Mama Kits to enable them support more deserving mothers in their respective communities.
Kimani explained that the move was designed to ensure no eligible mother is left behind, particularly those living in remote areas or facing financial hardship.
Besides the distribution of the kits, the exercise was also accompanied by health education sessions conducted by healthcare workers.
During the sessions, mothers were educated on the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy, regular clinic attendance, birth preparedness, safe delivery practices and postnatal care.
They were also sensitized on danger signs during pregnancy and the need to seek urgent medical attention whenever complications arise.
Mothers welcomed the initiative, saying it would ease the burden on many families and motivate more women to seek professional maternity care.
Healthcare workers in the county have also lauded the programme, noting that such interventions help increase the number of women delivering in hospitals under the care of trained medical personnel, which greatly lowers the risk of complications.
Murang’a County has in recent years intensified investments in healthcare through improved maternity services, expansion of medical facilities and introduction of programmes targeting mothers and children.
The Mama Kits initiative is now being seen as another practical intervention that directly touches the lives of families and safeguards the wellbeing of mothers and newborns.
The county administration has reaffirmed that maternal health remains a priority and pledged continued support to programmes that ensure every pregnancy is safe and every child gets a healthy start in life.
by Bernard Munyao
