Expectant mothers in Chegilet, Kerio Valley, have a reason to celebrate following the launch of the construction of a Sh50 million maternal ward funded by the Safaricom Mpesa Foundation.
The Foundation’s Chief Officer for Financial Services, Esther Waititu, said the facility will be a flagship project that ensures women and babies in the remote region access quality healthcare.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Chegilet Health Centre, Ms. Waititu noted that this will be the second such facility in Kerio Valley, following an earlier project at Tot Sub-County Hospital.
“The facility will include an antenatal and postnatal ward, as well as a surgical ward to ensure mothers who undergo operations are well taken care of,” she said.
Ms. Waititu emphasized that maternal healthcare is a national priority, adding that the Foundation is committed to supporting health services in underserved areas. She revealed that the Mpesa Foundation has so far invested more than Sh100 million in health projects across Elgeyo Marakwet County, alongside Sh145 million spent on upgrading schools to improve access to education.
She stressed that education remains key to nurturing professionals and empowering communities to take charge of their development.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor, Wisley Rotich, thanked Safaricom for the initiative, noting that the unit will significantly boost access to specialized maternal and infant healthcare once completed.
“This ward will transform the lives of mothers and children in this valley. It will ensure mothers can give birth safely and babies can grow strong and healthy,” he said.
The maternal unit is expected to ease the burden on nearby facilities while promoting safer deliveries and better health outcomes in Kerio Valley.
By Alice Wanjiru
