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Kenya to receive Sh10bn to improve maternal, newborn healthcare
Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health during a press briefing at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referal Hospital, Kisumu on August 09, 2025.
Kenya is set to receive an estimated Sh10.3 billion ($80 million) over the next five years from the Beginnings Fund, an initiative of a coalition of global philanthropic partners, to help strengthen maternal and newborn health.
The funding will mark a significant investment in the country's Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) programme.
RMNCAH focuses on providing integrated health services and strengthening health systems to address key issues related to reproductive health, maternal health, newborn health, child health, and adolescent health.
The Beginnings Fund Initiative is a $500 million (Sh64.6 billion) partnership between several global philanthropic organisations that aims to support 10 African nations in improving maternal and newborn survival rates and preventing stillbirths.
The initiative aims to save 300,000 lives and provide 34 million women and babies with quality healthcare by 2030.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga said that the Beginnings Fund in Kenya will focus on high-burden facilities that account for at least half of maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths.
“Priority actions will include scaling up evidence-based interventions, equipping health facilities with essential supplies and equipment, strengthening the health workforce through training, improving infrastructure and referral systems, and ensuring a reliable blood supply,” he said.
The initiative will target 15 high-burden counties, with an additional five to be selected based on government priorities and equity considerations. This strategic focus will channel resources into areas where they can have the greatest impact, potentially enhancing the efficiency and outcomes of both public and private healthcare facilities.
Dr Oluga added that the partnership will support Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, emphasising that reducing maternal and newborn deaths is essential for improving health outcomes and building resilient health systems.
“Every maternal or newborn death is a preventable tragedy,” he said. ‘This partnership will help us scale up proven interventions, address critical gaps in our healthcare system, and ensure that women and children — regardless of where they live — have access to life-saving care.’
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), the country records 362 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. This figure is still far from the global target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births by 2030.
Newborn deaths are also a significant concern, with 21 deaths per 1,000 live births contributing greatly to under-five mortality.
The majority of maternal deaths are preventable, caused by haemorrhage, infections, pre-eclampsia and obstructed labour, while premature birth and lack of timely care are leading causes of newborn deaths.
