Hemingways, Maa Trust open maternity facility in Maasai Mara

Hemingways Collection, a luxury boutique hotel group, has partnered with the Maa Trust to build a maternity facility in the Maasai Mara.

This facility includes an operating theatre for caesarean sections, a neonatal high-dependency unit, and a secure maternity shelter for high-risk mothers, including adolescents.

The Maa Trust led a fundraising campaign last year to construct and equip this maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) facility at CHP Talek Health Centre.

The facility, now operational, was completed with support from partners including Hemingways Collection, M-Pesa Foundation, Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation, John and Jennifer Guistina Family Fund, and the Narok County Government.

The facility has been tailor-made to cater to high-risk pregnancies including adolescent mothers, and the Maa Trust anticipates that it will take two years for it to reach financial sustainability.

“In 2021, I went into labour 10 weeks prematurely here in the Maasai Mara. It was only because of an emergency helicopter evacuation to Nairobi that my son survived. I have also just come through another high-risk pregnancy with my daughter who arrived safely, only four weeks prematurely,” recalled Maa Trust CEO Dr. Crystal Mogensen.

Hemingways Collection CEO Ross Evans stated that the group has committed to ongoing financial support for the facility, contributing Sh1.9 million ($14,500) to date.

Funds are used to pay for medical staff salaries, ensuring quality care for mothers and babies.

Evans also encouraged guests at Hemingways Ol Seki to visit the Maa Trust Headquarters to learn about their community impact.

Maa Trust CEO Dr. Crystal Mogensen, who has personally experienced high-risk pregnancies, expressed her dedication to the project.

She highlighted the collaboration among various organizations, which collectively raised Sh66 million for construction and equipment, making it the Trust's largest infrastructure project to date.

The centre is equipped with the Daktari Smart telemedicine program, allowing for remote specialist consultations from Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, reducing the need for patient travel to Nairobi.

Additionally, "Mama Kits" containing essential items for new mothers and babies are sold at Hemingways Ol Seki's gift shop, supporting the MNCH facility by encouraging clinic-based deliveries.