Kenya has intensified efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths, with the Government focusing on 26 high-burden counties under the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) initiative.
The interventions were discussed during the second day of the inaugural 2026 Kenya Health Summit, where health sector leaders joined First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto for a high-level session on maternal and newborn health.
The session focused on the 90.90.80.80 coverage target, which seeks to expand access to essential maternal and newborn healthcare services, strengthen referral systems and ensure women and newborns receive timely lifesaving care.
Participants reaffirmed that ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths is not only a health sector priority but a national responsibility under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) championed by President William Ruto.
The discussions reviewed progress made in expanding access to quality maternity services, improving referrals and strengthening health systems to ensure that mothers and newborns can access lifesaving services when they need them.
Through EWENE and the six-month Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), the Government is directing billions of shillings towards improving maternal and newborn survival.
The programme includes KSh4 billion for delivery and essential newborn care at primary healthcare level, KSh1 billion for lifesaving commodities, and KSh2.5 billion for family planning services.
The Government is also allocating KSh5 billion annually to recruit an additional 5,000 nurses, in an effort to strengthen the health workforce and improve service delivery across the country.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has so far reimbursed more than KSh17 billion for maternal health services, while an additional KSh2 billion has been allocated specifically to maternity and newborn care.
The Government cited progress at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi, one of the country’s busiest maternity facilities, which handles more than 16,000 deliveries annually.
Sustained investment and improvements in the quality of care at the facility have contributed to nearly zero maternal deaths over the past 18 months, according to the Government.
More than 300 healthcare workers have also been trained, while emergency simulation drills have been conducted in 29 counties.
Newborn care mentorship programmes have also been rolled out in 13 counties as part of efforts to improve the quality and timeliness of care provided to mothers and newborns.
The launch of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) and Rapid Results Initiative dashboards is also enabling health authorities to track maternal and newborn deaths on a daily basis.
The system is designed to help health officials identify gaps in care, respond to emerging risks and take timely action to prevent avoidable deaths.
The interventions are further supported by the SHA 922 Lifeline and the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, which are intended to improve access to emergency assistance and referrals.
The summit also placed focus on sickle cell disease, with 17 counties identified as high-burden areas.
According to the discussions, approximately 48,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually, highlighting the need for early detection and comprehensive care.
Among the interventions being pursued are newborn screening, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as comprehensive sickle cell care at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
Advanced red cell exchange transfusion has also been identified as one of the interventions available for patients requiring specialized treatment.
The initiatives discussed at the summit reflect a deliberate shift towards preventing maternal and newborn deaths rather than responding after complications occur.
The Government says the combination of better-equipped health facilities, trained healthcare workers, improved referral systems, emergency response mechanisms and real-time monitoring will help health authorities anticipate risks and intervene before lives are lost.
The EWENE programme is therefore expected to strengthen efforts to ensure that every woman and newborn can access quality, affordable and timely care regardless of where they live.
The high-level session brought together senior government officials, county leaders, health sector experts and development partners.
Those in attendance included Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, and Council of Governors Vice Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki.
Also present were Council of Governors Health Committee Chairperson and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nathif, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, World Health Organization Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo, chief executive officers of national referral hospitals, senior Ministry of Health officials and development partners.
The Government says the ongoing interventions are part of a broader effort to strengthen Kenya’s health system and ensure that preventable maternal and newborn deaths become increasingly rare, while improving access to lifesaving healthcare for women, children and families across the country.
