Kakamega County to build Sh90-million maternity wing at Likuyani Level 4 Hospital
Moses Wekesa-KNA
The county Government of Kakamega has embarked on the construction of a 60-bed maternity wing at Likuyani Level IV Hospital to elevate maternal healthcare services in the region.
The devolved committed to spend Sh90 million to construct the facility which is expected to be completed by January 2026.
The Maternity wing will have a theatre, labour ward, antenatal and postnatal unit, a newborn unit (NBU), and a kangaroo room, ensuring comprehensive care for mothers and infants under one roof.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said the county government is constructing the maternity wing under the “Tutunze Kakamega” programme.
The county government coordinated with Jakaranda Health, ThinkWell, ThinkPlace, Rescue, Harvard University and other stakeholders in the health sector to implement the service delivery redesign (SDR) initiative.
This joint strategy aimed to revolutionize healthcare access and improve service quality at the community level, commemorating a significant milestone in the county’s commitment to health system transformation, Barasa said.
He urged expectant women to also register for “Barasa Care” to receive a stipend of Sh12,000 once they attend both phases of a childbirth from going to clinic for checkup during pregnancy, giving birth in a hospital and taking the child to all immunizations.
He expressed appreciation to the partners for facilitating the groundbreaking of a remarkably advanced facility as an unprecedented development in Kakamega.
Dr. Job Makoyo, the Country Director of Jakaranda Health, stated that the “Tutunze Kakamega” programme secured the top position globally in the area of service delivery redesign.
He further explained that the project had been the first of its kind globally and was exclusively implemented in Kakamega County with an objective of ensuring that all pregnant women deliver in hospitals equipped to offer comprehensive maternal care all through the childbirth process.
He said the Likuyani project is the fourth one being established in Kakamega after the ones launched in Malava, Lumakanda, and Matungu.
Dr. Job Makoyo, the Country Director of Jakaranda Health, stated that the “Tutunze Kakamega” programme secured the top position globally in the area of service delivery redesign.
He further explained that the project had been the first of its kind globally and was exclusively implemented in Kakamega County with an objective of ensuring that all pregnant women deliver in hospitals equipped to offer comprehensive maternal care all through the childbirth process.
Dr Makoyo said the Likuyani project is the fourth one being established in Kakamega after the ones launched in Malava, Lumakanda, and Matungu.
He noted that the construction of Matungu Maternity is underway, while a new Neonatal Unit (NBU) was under construction in Malava.
The director said these are key projects that had been successfully implemented in collaboration with the county government, emphasizing their shared commitment to improving access to care for mothers and newborns.
Makoyo disclosed that Rescue, a partner in the project, helped over 9,000 expectant mothers and their babies reach hospitals for services in the two years they were in operation.
He added that they collaborated with Thinkwell on health financing matters, with the organization having supported the development of the Kakamega Health Service Fund.
He noted that the construction of Matungu Maternity is underway, while a new Neonatal Unit (NBU) was under construction in Malava.
The Director said they are key projects that had been successfully implemented in collaboration with the county government, emphasizing their shared commitment to improving access to care for mothers and newborns.
Makoyo disclosed that Rescue, a partner in the project, helped over 9,000 expectant mothers and their babies reach hospitals for services in the two years they were in operation.
He added that they collaborated with Thinkwell on health financing matters, with the organization having supported the development of the Kakamega Health Service Fund.