Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei has called on expectant mothers to embrace hospital deliveries, saying access to skilled birth attendants remains one of the most effective ways of reducing infant mortality and safeguarding the health of both mothers and newborns.
Speaking during a funeral service at Kericho Golf Club, Kemei said although Kenya has made significant progress in reducing child mortality, preventable deaths during childbirth continue to occur because some mothers delay seeking medical care or opt for home deliveries.
She noted that many childbirth-related complications can be effectively managed in well-equipped health facilities where skilled healthcare professionals, emergency obstetric services and newborn care are readily available.
“We want to get rid of infant mortality. Let us improve our hospitals and encourage women to give birth in hospitals. We still have cases where complications during childbirth claim the lives of babies, yet many of these deaths can be prevented through skilled care,” said Kemei.
She observed that hospital deliveries guarantee access to qualified medical personnel who can provide emergency obstetric care, newborn resuscitation, postnatal monitoring and timely referrals whenever complications arise.
The Woman Representative also called for continued investment in maternity infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and the recruitment of skilled healthcare workers to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services across Kericho County.
Kemei said protecting the lives of mothers and newborns requires collective responsibility, urging families and communities to support expectant mothers throughout pregnancy by encouraging regular antenatal clinic attendance and ensuring they deliver in health facilities.
Kericho County has continued to register steady improvements in maternal and child health, reflecting sustained government investment in healthcare services.
According to the latest Kenya National Bureau of Statistics County Statistical Abstract, the county’s infant mortality rate stands at 25 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 37.8 deaths per 1,000 live births recorded in earlier estimates. The county also reports an under-five mortality rate of 32 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it below the national average.
The gains have been attributed to expanded antenatal and postnatal care services, increased uptake of skilled birth attendance, improved immunisation coverage and strengthened community health programmes.
Data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey indicates that most births in Kericho are attended by skilled health providers, while childhood immunisation coverage remains among the highest in the country, contributing to improved survival rates for infants and young children.
Despite the progress, health experts caution that the neonatal period—the first month after birth—remains the most vulnerable stage for newborn survival.
Premature birth, birth asphyxia, infections and delayed access to emergency obstetric care continue to account for a significant proportion of infant deaths, underscoring the need for expectant mothers to seek skilled medical care throughout pregnancy and during delivery.
Kemei stressed that eliminating preventable infant deaths will require close collaboration between government, healthcare providers, communities and families to ensure pregnant women receive quality maternal healthcare services.
She said sustained public awareness campaigns, improved healthcare infrastructure and increased access to skilled birth attendants will play a critical role in improving maternal and child health outcomes.
The government’s continued investment in modern maternity facilities, expansion of community health services, recruitment of skilled healthcare workers and implementation of the Social Health Authority is expected to further strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare in Kericho County.
As Kenya works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on maternal and child survival by 2030, health stakeholders continue to encourage expectant mothers to utilise antenatal services and deliver in health facilities to give every child a healthier start to life.
By Gilbert Mutai
