By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 23 December 2025 - Mothers and newborns in Vihiga County have received a major healthcare boost following the launch of an ultra-modern Maternal and Child Health Integrated Complex at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital, a development expected to significantly improve maternal and infant health outcomes in the region.
The facility was officially launched on Monday, through a partnership between the County Government of Vihiga and the M-Pesa Foundation.
ully funded and equipped by the Foundation at a cost of KSh 60 million, the complex became operational two days earlier on December 21 and has already recorded seven successful deliveries. Of these, two were through caesarean section while five were normal births, signalling an early impact on access to skilled maternal care.
Residents have welcomed the new complex with optimism, describing it as a lifesaving investment for families.
“This hospital has given us confidence,” said resident and expectant mother Alice Atieno.
“We no longer have to travel far or fear complications during delivery because everything is now available here.”
Another resident, Peter Lihanda, said the facility would ease the financial and emotional burden on families.
“Knowing our wives and babies can be treated safely close to home is a big relief,” he noted.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, Governor Wilber Ottichilo praised the M-Pesa Foundation for completing the project within eight months, describing the timeline as impressive and timely.
He reiterated the county government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and highlighted Vihiga’s Community Health Promoters, whose work has earned national recognition.
The governor said the new Mother and Child Health Unit is expected to play a critical role in reducing maternal and infant mortality.
“With the establishment of this modern maternal facility, I want Vihiga County to record zero maternal and infant mortality cases,” said Dr Ottichilo.
He urged mothers to fully utilise antenatal and postnatal services, discouraging home deliveries and calling on families to embrace hospital-based care.
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For many women in the county, the message resonated strongly.
“I used to fear giving birth at home because of complications,” said mother of two, Beatrice Musalia.
“Now we feel protected. This hospital shows that mothers’ lives matter.”
M-Pesa Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to partnering with county governments to improve healthcare outcomes.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening community-level healthcare through continuous training of Community Health Promoters, noting that the Foundation is currently implementing a training programme with AMREF across five counties and expressed hope that Vihiga would be included.
Ogutu also revealed that the Foundation has finalised plans to roll out telemedicine services by February 2026, a move expected to further expand access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved areas.
The 40-bed capacity complex is equipped with a fully functional caesarean section theatre, a three-bed delivery room, a 12-bed antenatal ward, a 20-bed postnatal ward and an eight-bed newborn unit.
It also includes a reception area, nursing station and pharmacy, providing comprehensive maternal and child health services under one roof.
Vihiga County Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr Mary Anyienda said the partnership with the M-Pesa Foundation will significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the county.
She added that the unit has also received support from the Fistula Foundation and MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership, urging mothers with fistula-related complications to seek care at the facility.
As the complex begins full operations, residents say it represents more than a building—it is a symbol of renewed hope for safer motherhood and healthier beginnings for children across Vihiga County.
Vihiga’s New Maternal and Child Health Complex Marks Major Milestone
Boost for expectant mothers, newborns in Vihiga
