Expectant mothers in Kakamega County have received a major boost following the official launch of a 60-bed capacity maternity wing, aimed at improving maternal health and reducing preventable deaths during childbirth.
The facility, set to be constructed at Likuyani Sub-County Hospital, is a joint initiative between the County Government of Kakamega and Jacaranda Health. The project, costing Ksh 90 million, is expected to be completed and fully operational by early 2026.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Jacaranda Health CEO Job Makoyo emphasized the importance of strengthening maternal care. They called on healthcare professionals to intensify efforts in saving the lives of mothers and newborns during delivery.
The governor noted that the maternity wing is part of a broader strategy to enhance the county’s healthcare system and reduce maternal mortality rates from the current 316 deaths per 1,000 live births to just 19 per 1,000.
In addition to reducing maternal deaths, the facility is expected to ease access to essential health services by cutting down the long distances pregnant women have to travel to receive proper medical care.