Chegilet: Expectant mothers in Chegilet, Kerio Valley, have a reason to celebrate following the launch of the construction of a Sh50 million maternal ward funded by the Safaricom Mpesa Foundation.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Foundation’s Chief Officer for Financial Services, Esther Waititu, stated that the facility will be a flagship project aimed at ensuring women and babies in the remote region have access to quality healthcare. During the groundbreaking ceremony at Chegilet Health Centre, Ms. Waititu highlighted that this will be the second such facility in Kerio Valley, following an earlier project at Tot Sub-County Hospital.

Ms. Waititu detailed that the facility will include an antenatal and postnatal ward, as well as a surgical ward designed to properly care for mothers who undergo operations. She underscored that maternal healthcare is a national priority and affirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting health services in underserved areas. She disclosed that the Mpesa Foundation has invested over Sh100 million in health projects across Elgeyo Marakwet County, and an additional Sh145 million has been allocated to upgrading schools to enhance access to education.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor, Wisley Rotich, expressed gratitude to Safaricom for the initiative, acknowledging that the unit will significantly enhance access to specialized maternal and infant healthcare once completed. He remarked that the ward will transform the lives of mothers and children in the valley, ensuring safe births and healthy growth for babies.

The maternal unit is anticipated to alleviate the burden on nearby facilities and promote safer deliveries and improved health outcomes in Kerio Valley.