Pumwani’s maternal health turnaround earns national recognition as deaths plunge

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and the Pumwani leadership receives the award in the presence of President William Ruto and Health CS CS Aden Duale at State House, Nairobi./HANDOUT

Just a week after being recognized at State House for its remarkable achievement in reducing maternal mortality, Pumwani Maternity Hospital is emerging as a national model for safe childbirth after recording only two maternal deaths out of 11,515 deliveries in 2025, down from eight deaths in 2024.

The dramatic improvement at Nairobi’s largest specialized maternal health facility has placed the hospital at the forefront of efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths in Kenya, earning praise from both county and national leaders.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja/HANDOUT

“In 2025, despite managing 841 obstetric complications and more than 11,500 deliveries, the hospital reduced maternal deaths to just two,” Sakaja confirmed.

The achievement comes amid broader health sector reforms under Governor Sakaja, including changes to the management structure of Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals by appointing qualified Chief Executive Officers to lead the facilities.

The reforms have been accompanied by increased investment in staffing, infrastructure, and emergency maternal care services. Sakaja revealed that by 2026, the facility had already managed 3,303 deliveries and 210 obstetric complications, with only one maternal death reported to date.

He attributed the turnaround to a combination of strategic interventions, including the recruitment of additional nurses, doctors, and midwives, the expansion of emergency surgical services, and continuous staff training.

“Among the key reforms was the introduction of two fully operational maternity theatres running around the clock, significantly reducing the time between emergency diagnosis and delivery,” Sakaja said.

The hospital has also established an in-house learning hub where healthcare workers receive hands-on training in obstetric and neonatal emergency care.

The facility has further strengthened adherence to updated clinical protocols, improved referral coordination, and enhanced community outreach through Community Health Promoters, enabling expectant mothers to seek care earlier and reducing complications.

According to Health and Nutrition CEC Suzanne Silantoi, another major boost has been the establishment of a blood donation site within the hospital, ensuring timely access to blood and blood products for mothers experiencing life-threatening emergencies.

As Kenya continues its push to reduce maternal mortality nationwide, Pumwani’s success story is increasingly being viewed as a blueprint that other public health facilities can emulate.

“The hospital’s recognition at State House reflects what can be achieved through sustained investment in frontline healthcare, skilled personnel, and timely emergency interventions, helping save the lives of thousands of mothers and newborns every year,” Silantoi said.

Pumwani’s transformation demonstrates how targeted investments, strong leadership, and skilled healthcare workers can significantly improve maternal health outcomes.

Its success is now providing a roadmap for hospitals across the country seeking to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.