Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has identified 26 counties with the highest burden of maternal deaths, as the government moves to urgently address rising fatalities among mothers and newborns.
The Ministry of Health has directed the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to immediately dispatch essential maternal drugs to the affected regions in an effort to curb the deaths.
The intervention comes amid alarming figures indicating that Kenya is losing more than 90 newborns and at least 15 mothers every day during childbirth, with Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties bearing the greatest impact.
Duale described the situation as deeply concerning, saying the government is prioritising access to life-saving medication in the hardest-hit areas.
“The Ministry has identified 26 counties that have high burden in maternal deaths and we have directed KEMSA to supply them with the necessary essential drugs,” he said.
He noted that the Ministry will engage county governments directly to develop targeted interventions aimed at reversing the trend.
Speaking in Naivasha after a consultative meeting with County Executive Committee Members for Health from all 47 counties, Duale also announced that community health promoters will be enrolled under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) starting the next financial year.
He said the Ministry will first undertake a nationwide digital registration of the promoters before integrating them into the scheme.
“From July, all community health promoters will be registered under SHIF as part of improving health services in the country,” he said, describing them as key to strengthening primary healthcare.
On hospital operations, the CS warned facilities against admitting patients beyond their official capacity, stating that such practices are unlawful and could lead to denial of reimbursement under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Duale further raised concern over low registration numbers under SHA in some counties, indicating that the Ministry is preparing a targeted mass registration campaign in areas lagging behind.
At the same time, Council of Governors Director of Health Khatra Ali expressed concern over the increasing maternal deaths recorded over the past two years.
“Every day the country is losing 92 minors and another 15 women during delivery and it’s time we address this while reinstating the Linda Mama programme that was very productive,” she said.
Chairperson of the CEC Health Caucus, Dr Kelvin Osuri, also highlighted the growing number of teenage mothers, warning that many are not covered under existing health insurance frameworks.
“These minors are not covered under any insurance and their numbers are rising and they should be considered under SHA just like the community health promoters,” he said.
The developments place renewed focus on maternal health in Kenya, as both national and county governments face mounting pressure to implement effective interventions to reduce preventable deaths.
