Kajiado county seeks to curb mother, infant deaths

Kajiado county Health Department has put in place a raft of measures to prevent mother and infant mortality.

Over the years, patients from the populous region, especially expectant mothers, with complications were referred to either Kenya National Hospital (KNH) or Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi.

The county government has now spent millions of shillings to put up modern theatre in On'gata Rongai and Ngong town sub county hospitals in efforts to ensure zero maternal deaths.

In Ongata Rongai hospital, an average of 144 surgeries are done monthly

Edah Racho, theatre nursing officer in charge, said that on average the facility does four caesarean surgeries every day and two general surgeries.

"Before this theatre was opened, we referred patients to Kajiado hospital, Kenyatta or Mbagathi hospitals. However, a big number of patients could not make it and some pregnant women had miscarriage on the way," said Racho.

Dr Faith Masenge, in-charge of Ngong Sub-county hospital said that the facility has now fully improved service delivery.

Dr Masenge said the new maternity is set to be opened.

"We have constructed a maternity, we have a theater, a mortuary and also renovated old buildings. A 60-bed ward at the facility is underway and additional staff houses. The laboratory and the maternity ward are fully equipped," she said.

Nancy Muthoni a resident of Nkaimurunya, in Ongata Rongai narrated to The Standard how she lost her first-born baby during delivery at the hospital.

"Two years ago, I was brought here to deliver my first born, however, I lost the baby due to poor services. I am now comfortable to deliver another child here," said Muthoni.

Governor Joseph Ole Lenku recently toured the facilities where he said his administration is committed to quality healthcare.

"My government is dedicated to reforming the health sector so as to realise development vision of a prosperous, globally competitive county, offering quality life through sustainable development and contributing to the national, regional and international health commitments and goals," said Lenku.

He said the opening of Ongata Rongai and Ngong funeral homes is a big relief to residents of Kajiado North and West who been travelling to Nairobi for funeral services.

During the last budget the Health Department allocated Sh462 million for development.

Health County Executive Committee member, Alex Kilowua, said a 150-bed capacity male ward will be put up at the County Referral Hospital.

"We shall upgrade three health centres to Level Four hospitals, build several health centers and dispensaries, health matters come first and are our priority," said Kilowua.