The 83-bed facility, being constructed under the Uzazi Salama Programme, is expected to be completed within 36 weeks. It will feature antenatal and postnatal wards, a newborn unit, a modern maternity theatre and a recovery room.
By Wepukhulu Rasto, Kakamega County.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, October 29, Barasa said his administration was committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring mothers and newborns receive quality medical attention.
“Our commitment is to ensure that every mother and newborn in Kakamega County has access to quality healthcare. Through investments in modern maternity facilities and strategic partnerships, we are strengthening our health system to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths and bring essential services closer to our people,” Barasa said.
AMREF representative Dr Meshack Ndiragu( Left) and Governor Fernandes Barasa (Right).
The governor used the platform to announced that Iguhu Level Four Hospital would receive a similar allocation to support the construction of a modern maternity facility.He further unveiled plans to establish a 60-bed newborn unit at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCGTRH) to strengthen specialised care for newborns requiring advanced medical attention.
Barasa said the Navakholo project builds on his administration’s healthcare investments, noting that 11 other maternity facilities had been developed across the county over the past four years.The project is being implemented through a partnership between the County Government of Kakamega, M-PESA Foundation and AMREF under the Uzazi Salama Programme.
AMREF Foundation representative Dr Meshach Ndirangu underscored the importance of strong leadership and efficient maternity services in reducing preventable maternal deaths.
“Strong leadership and investment in quality maternity services are essential in reducing preventable maternal deaths and ensuring mothers and newborns receive the care they deserve,” Ndirangu said.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between county governments and development partners in expanding access to essential healthcare services.
Safaricom Foundation representative Patricia Gitau said the three-year programme would promote timely access to healthcare and raise community awareness about maternal health.
Safaricom Foundation Representative Ms Patricia Gitau.
“Through the Uzazi Salama Programme, we want to ensure that mothers can access essential maternal healthcare services in good time while strengthening community awareness on the importance of seeking skilled medical care,” Gitau said.
Beyond healthcare, Navakholo is benefiting from investments in education and other essential services. These include Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) infrastructure and Sh11.88 million in bursaries for 3,959 learners from needy families.Other development initiatives include road improvements, water projects, market development, bridge construction and upgrades to health facilities.
The county government says the investments form part of its broader efforts to improve service delivery and accelerate development across Kakamega.Once completed, the Navakholo maternity wing is expected to expand the hospital’s capacity to provide maternal and newborn services, bringing essential care closer to families and easing pressure on existing facilities.