Record births, fewer deaths: How Kajiado is winning the fight for mothers
Kajiado Health Executive Alex Kilowua (right), accompanied by medics, inspecting a new theatre at Kitengela Level IV Hospital on October 21, 2025.
What you need to know:
- The metropolitan area of the vast county; including Kitengela, Ong'ata Rongai, Kiserian, and Ngong; had previously borne the brunt of maternal mortality, with most delivery emergencies being referred to the Kenya National Referral Hospital and other neighbouring facilities.
For years, Kajiado County grappled with high maternal deaths, a situation exacerbated by a lack of maternal wards, shortage of health workers, and gaps in emergency obstetric care.
A 2019 report from the Institute of Public Finance highlighted the dire situation, recording a maternal mortality ratio of 495 per 100,000 live births; above the national average.
Data also showed that gaps in emergency obstetric care were contributing factors to preventable deaths, with seven of the 13 women who died in a recent six-month period succumbing to excessive bleeding.
The majority of these deaths occurred in Kajiado South and Central sub-counties. Among the victims were four women aged 20 to 25.
The report noted that a fraction of the women had not attended antenatal clinics, while others had first sought care from Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) before arriving at health facilities in critical condition.
The metropolitan area of the vast county; including Kitengela, Ong'ata Rongai, Kiserian, and Ngong; had previously borne the brunt of maternal mortality, with most delivery
emergencies being referred to the Kenya National Referral Hospital and other neighbouring facilities.
Bu there is good news.
The expansion of maternity wings, deployment of more medics, and the availability of theatre services in sub-county facilities have since increased the number of women seeking safe delivery services and led to a reduction in maternal deaths.
A spot check on October 20 indicated that Kitengela Level 4 Hospital recorded at least 75 new births within 24 hours, showcasing the high number of expectant mothers seeking safe deliveries in the metropolitan part of the county.
Triple digits
In the last six months, the number of expectant women seeking maternal services is said to have increased to triple digits, significantly reducing maternal mortality.
The hospital, recently upgraded to Level IV from sub-county status, serves the rapidly growing town of Kitengela and surrounding areas, including Athi River and Mlolongo in Machakos County.
Its maternity wing also serves hundreds of refugees through a United Nations programme, who reside in Kitengela.
Kitengela Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Veronica Abuto, told Nation that the facility recorded its highest number of births in history on Mashujaa Day.
According to hospital’s records, 68 deliveries resulted in 75 babies within 24 hours, with seven mothers giving birth to twins. Of these, 25 were Cesarean sections and 43 were normal deliveries. The day also saw five tragic cases of maternal and neonatal deaths.
"Our facility is currently overwhelmed by the large numbers of women seeking safe deliveries. It’s our policy not to turn away any expectant women. In the last six months, we have crossed the gaps of maternal deaths,” said Dr Abuto.
The data indicates that 466 deliveries were conducted in September, including 312 normal deliveries and 154 Cesarean sections deliveries. A total of 15 babies died, including stillbirths. In August, 479 live births were recorded, including 119 Cesarean sections . At least 11 newborn babies died.
The data further shows that in July, out of total 364 deliveries, 254 were normal deliveries and 110 cases were Cesarean sections. At least seven newborn babies died.
A Congolese national who is in Kenya under the United Nation Refugee programme called the facility a "safe haven," a sentiment echoed by other new mothers. "We come here for safe delivery. Without complications, one is discharged within 24 hours," one mother said, cradling her newborn.
To accommodate the large numbers of expectant women turning up on a daily basis, the county’s Health Department has launched a new operating theatre meant to address delivery emergencies.
The previous main theatre was overstretched by general emergencies cases, prompting delivery emergencies to be referred to Kenyatta National Hospital or Machakos Level V Hospital.
Health Executive Alex Kilowua said the new theatre is a key step toward reducing maternal mortality to zero in the populous township.
"Emergency cases which require Cesarean section have been a nightmare owing to a single congested theatre. We have dedicated the new theatre for Cesarean section deliveries and any other delivery-related emergencies,” Mr Kilowua stated during the official opening.
Kitengela Level IV Hospital in Kajiado County.
He also highlighted the role of the National Equipment Support Program in procuring vital medical equipment and acknowledged that the Social Health Authority and Taifa Care services have encouraged more women to seek maternal care.
This multi-pronged approach marks a significant turnaround for a county once burdened by preventable maternal deaths, offering a new promise of safety for its mothers.
