Kenya has significantly bolstered its national strategy to eliminate preventable maternal and child mortality following the signing of a landmark Cooperation Framework between the Ministry of Health and the Beginnings Fund.
This high-impact strategic partnership unlocks a USD 80 million (approximately KSh 10.4 billion) investment over the next five years, aimed at accelerating the implementation of Kenya’s Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan and reaching the country’s ambitious 90-90-80-80 healthcare targets.
Backed by key global partners including the Beginnings Fund, the Gates Foundation, and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the five-year initiative targets 21 high-burden counties and nearly 200 high-volume facilities, directly benefiting close to six million women and newborns by 2030.
The initiative directly complements ongoing national health sector reforms, notably the Maternal and Newborn Health Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) launched by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto under the Taifa Care national program.
Designed to drastically reduce maternal mortality, infant deaths, and stillbirths, the investments will expand the healthcare workforce, upgrade maternity and neonatal infrastructure, ensure the consistent supply of lifesaving medicines and medical technologies, strengthen emergency referral pathways, and accelerate digital health solutions.
These strategic interventions advance Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda while seamlessly aligning global development financing with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Monday, Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale underscored Kenya’s vision for a country-led transformation, urging development partners to transition away from fragmented projects toward unified, system-strengthening investments.
Emphasizing that successful execution relies on tight synergy between national and county governments alongside international allies, the Cabinet Secretary praised the Beginnings Fund for aligning its resource commitment with Kenya’s national health priorities under a single plan, one budget, and one accountability framework to guarantee transparency and impact.
The ceremonial signing was witnessed by key senior health leaders and international delegates, including Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Council of Governors CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, Beginnings Fund CEO Ms. Alice Kang’ethe, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Neema Kimambo, Director of Family Health Dr. Bashir Issak, as well as county leadership and development partner representatives collectively marking a decisive step toward ensuring every mother receives safe, quality care and every newborn is given the opportunity to thrive.
