Access to quality maternal and newborn healthcare in Taita Taveta County received a major boost on Friday following the commissioning of a Sh41 million state-of-the-art maternal and newborn unit at Mwatate Sub County Hospital.
The facility, funded by the M-PESA Foundation in partnership with the County Government of Taita Taveta, is expected to significantly improve access to skilled delivery services for thousands of women across the sub-county and beyond.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Kenya’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting persistent gaps in timely access to quality obstetric care.
The survey further shows that about 89 per cent of births in Kenya occur in health facilities, though rural counties continue to face disparities in access to fully equipped emergency maternity services.
Speaking during the commissioning, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime said the project aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes accessible and quality healthcare.
“This facility will help us ensure more mothers deliver safely within health facilities and receive timely care,” said Mwadime.
The newly constructed wing comprises an antenatal ward, a postnatal unit, a newborn unit, and a fully equipped maternity theatre, supported by solar power to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Joseph Ogutu, Chairperson of the Safaricom Foundation, said the foundation had completed its support for the project and urged the county to ensure effective service delivery.
“We are done. It is now up to you to ensure there are enough nurses and that patients receive the best services possible,” said Ogutu.
Mwatate Sub County Hospital Superintendent Dr. Mohamed Machi said the facility marks a major shift in healthcare delivery at the hospital.
“We now have improved capacity to handle both normal and complicated deliveries, which will significantly reduce referrals and improve maternal and newborn outcomes,” he said.
Evidence from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that most maternal deaths are caused by preventable complications such as severe bleeding, infections, and hypertensive disorders-conditions that can be effectively managed in well-equipped facilities with skilled health personnel and timely intervention.
Residents welcomed the new facility, saying it will reduce the need for long-distance referrals to Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi, which previously exposed mothers to delays and additional costs.
The project underscores ongoing efforts under BETA to strengthen primary healthcare systems as a foundation for improved health outcomes and community productivity.
With the new unit now operational, Mwatate Sub County Hospital is expected to handle more deliveries safely, offering renewed hope to mothers and newborns in Taita Taveta County.
By Arnold Linga Masila
