By Wepukhulu Rasto,Kakamega.
Kakamega is set for a major maternal and newborn healthcare upgrade after the County Government joined forces with M-PESA Foundation and AMREF to build and equip modern health facilities across the county.
Governor Fernandes Barasa on Thursday hosted delegations from the M-PESA Foundation, led by Lead Health Dorothy Koech, and AMREF, led by Programme Manager John Kutna, at the County Headquarters to advance the partnership.
Photo |Governor Fernandes Barasa with MPESA Foundation Health Lead Dorothy Koech.
The first major project will be the construction of a 60-bed maternity wing at Navakholo Level 4 Hospital, with groundbreaking scheduled for October.
The partnership will also see the establishment of a modern newborn unit at Kakamega County General Hospital and construction of a new maternity wing at Iguhu Level 4 Hospital.
The projects are expected to expand the county’s capacity to handle maternal and newborn cases while providing safer and better-equipped environments for mothers giving birth.
The modern newborn unit will also improve access to specialised care for newborns requiring additional medical attention, reducing the need for families to seek such services outside the county.Governor Barasa said the partnership demonstrates the importance of working with development and private-sector partners to strengthen the county’s health system.
Photo|Governor Fernandes Barasa with AMREF Programmes Manager John Kutna.
“The partnership reflects our commitment to working with development and private-sector partners to strengthen the health system and bring quality healthcare closer to our people,” the governor said.
For mothers in Navakholo, Iguhu and surrounding areas, the planned facilities are expected to bring essential maternity and newborn services closer to home.
The partnership between the county, M-PESA Foundation and AMREF marks a significant investment in maternal and newborn healthcare, with construction of the Navakholo maternity wing expected to kick off next month.