Nicosia: The County Government of Nakuru has modernized and upgraded its maternity facilities across the devolved unit, in a move aimed at improving maternal health care access and reducing mortality rates.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member for Health Care Services Ms. Roselyn Mungai stated that the upgraded facilities feature maternity wards, specialized labor, delivery and recovery rooms, neonatal care units, and antenatal and postnatal consultation spaces. Ms. Mungai emphasized the prioritization of single-bed occupancy for antenatal and post-natal mothers and ongoing efforts to establish independent boarding facilities for Newborn Unit Mothers.
Ms. Mungai further mentioned that the county is expanding its public health facilities’ capacity through these upgrades, which include critical newborn support, immunization, nutrition services, and purpose-built consultation spaces. After visiting the refurbished Rhonda and Langalanga Sub-County Hospitals, she highlighted the addition of outpatient consultation, laboratory services, and comprehensive care services in the upgraded facilities.
She noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to enhancing primary health care facilities and reducing the burden on the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital (NCTRH). The improvements at Bondeni Maternity, Gilgil Maternity, Mirugi Kariuki, Rhonda, Langalanga, and Naivasha Sub-County Hospital, among others, aim to decongest larger facilities like the Margaret Kenyatta Mother and Baby Unit.
Significant upgrades have also been made to Bondeni maternity hospital, which now features a Sh15 million operational theater after a 40-year wait. The revival of this facility is part of a broader initiative to allocate resources to longstanding stalled projects. Ms. Mungai assured residents of enhanced emergency services capabilities and reduced referral needs due to the new equipment and renovations.
The County Government hopes that these improvements will reduce infant and maternal mortality ratios and provide affordable maternity services. Ms. Mungai emphasized the importance of utilizing upgraded facilities to ensure safe and respectful maternal services, and she reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to investing in hospital infrastructure to deliver world-class healthcare services.
The ongoing efforts are aligned with global and national health objectives, including Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims for universal access to reproductive healthcare. The county’s Mother and Baby Units provide comprehensive amenities for maternal and child health, and Ms. Mungai highlighted the proactive measures being taken to ensure responsive and efficient service delivery.
Ms. Mungai expressed gratitude to the health workers and announced the formation of a County Health Management Team to review performance and share best practices. Regular meetings and data analysis help maintain focus on delivering quality healthcare services, ensuring progress towards the county’s healthcare goals.
