The Ministry of Health has issued a directive requiring all healthcare facilities to systematically document every infant and maternal death in an effort to evaluate the national mortality rates.
Speaking at the 4th graduation ceremony for specialized nurses—specifically in Oncology, Critical Care, Perioperative, and Nephrology Nursing—held at Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale declared that the government finds the alleged increase in infant and maternal deaths in medical facilities unacceptable.
Duale asserted that in the present era, not a single mortality should be tolerated.
“Any death of a mother or newborn is one tragedy too many; this isn’t just a concern, it’s a demand for action. As a Ministry, we are shifting our focus from mere statements to establishing systems that prevent avoidable deaths during childbirth,” Duale stressed.
The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, along with KUTRRH CEO Dr. Zeinab Gura and KUTRRH Board Chairperson James Kibugu.
Duale noted that President William Ruto is personally invested in ensuring the reduction of maternal mortality rates, confirming that the government is actively realigning the entire health system to achieve tangible results.
The Cabinet Secretary announced plans for a nationwide reproductive age mortality survey to accurately determine the actual count and underlying causes of deaths, including maternal fatalities.
He quipped, “This exercise will help us synchronize resources, expertise, and collective efforts with the reality on the ground so that our interventions are targeted, prompt, and capable of saving lives.”
The CS further stated that the Ministry will hasten the digitization process and ensure rigorous use of the maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance and response system. He committed that every case will be reviewed promptly, with actions assigned to relevant officers, all focused on saving mothers and newborns.
Duale also revealed that the Health Ministry intends to strengthen standards governing triage and referral systems, and mandate the availability of oxygen and safe blood in every healthcare institution.
The CS outlined further measures: “We will also enforce 24-hour theater readiness checks, enhance neonatal resuscitation capability, implement early escalation protocols, and guarantee consultant backups in our hospitals. We must deliver genuinely respectful maternity care.”
He issued a strict warning to health facilities and medics: the failure to report accurate data or the provision of falsified information regarding maternal deaths nationwide will be prosecuted as a criminal offense under the Digital Health Act.
Duale announced the introduction of a new rule within the country’s digital health highway that will compel medics to log the reasons for all maternal and newborn mortalities every morning across all healthcare facilities.
He passionately stated, “We want to ensure that no mother—who is not sick, who is healthy and walks into our facilities to give us a living—will be reported as dead, along with her newborn. We will not tolerate this, as it is immoral, unconstitutional, and it is our duty to address maternal and newborn deaths in our nation.”
For her part, Dr. Gura reaffirmed KUTRRH’s dedication to providing patient-centered, evidence-based healthcare that improves the well-being of Kenyans and contributes to global health.
She stated, “Our steadfast commitment to high-quality, patient-focused care has resulted in improved patient satisfaction and health outcomes, while also boosting the professional satisfaction of our providers. Our signature specialized care continues to offer exemplary services via highly qualified consultants, positioning KUTRRH as a regional role model for healthcare delivery.”
She disclosed the facility’s plan to enhance the quality of healthcare for Kenyans by increasing bed capacity and upgrading facilities to better serve patients, alongside investing in advanced research and innovative healthcare solutions to tackle emerging problems.
She further revealed that the Hospital is expanding specialized training programs and fostering global partnerships to ensure world-class professional development.
Dr. Gura added, “We are also reinforcing community outreach through health programs and partnerships that promote wellness at the grassroots level, as well as implementing sustainable practices and green initiatives to support environmental health.”
KUTRRH Board Chairperson James Kibugu observed that the national shortage of specialized nurses has resulted from low student enrollment, largely due to the challenges county governments face in releasing staff for training.
He indicated that this issue has impeded the growth of training programs and limited access to specialized education. He appealed to the Ministry of Health to collaborate closely with county governments to develop mechanisms that facilitate student release and secure funding.
Kibugu concluded, “This cooperation is vital to ensure that aspiring nurses can pursue their education and contribute significantly to our healthcare system.”
