Kakamega records decline in pre-term babies deaths

The country’s neonatal mortality rate stands at 21 per 1,000 live births, almost double the SDG target of 12/1000.

by HILTON OTENYO

Nyanza20 November 2025 - 09:59

In Summary

County public health chief officer Rose Muhanda said death of pre-term babies in the country has reduced from 26 deaths per every 1,000 live births to 20 deaths per every 1,000 live births.
“We’re getting these mortalities because our mothers delay to begin the Ante-Natal Clinics and only come to hospital when its already too late,” she said.

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Kakamega County has recorded a decline in pre-term deaths over the past two years following the decentralisation of newborn services.

County Public Health chief officer Rose Muhanda reported that pre-term mortality has fallen from 26 deaths per 1,000 live births to 20 per 1,000.

Newborn services have been expanded to Malava, Butere and Likuyani subcounty hospitals to prevent overcrowding at the county general hospital, which can contribute to fatalities.

Muhanda expressed optimism that mortality rates will continue to fall as additional measures, including community-based interventions, are strengthened.

She attributed pre-term deaths largely to delays by pregnant mothers in starting antenatal care (ANC), emphasising that timely visits are crucial to preventing complications.

To address this, community health promoters are conducting house-to-house visits to identify pregnancies early and refer mothers promptly.

A baby born before 37 weeks is classified as preterm. Muhanda highlighted that Kakamega’s newborn unit, particularly the kangaroo care mothers’ unit, has not lost a child in four years, signaling the effectiveness of specialised care.

Prof Janet Kasilly, spouse of Governor Fernandes Barasa, noted that teen mothers contribute significantly to pre-term births.

Many conceal pregnancies, delaying ANC visits and facing health challenges that lead to premature deliveries. She urged teen mothers to obtain ID cards and birth certificates for themselves and their children to access Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage and health benefits.

Adult mothers were also encouraged to start ANC visits early to reduce the risk of preterm births.

Kakamega’s efforts illustrate the impact of decentralised healthcare services combined with community engagement in improving neonatal outcomes and moving closer to Sustainable Development Goal targets on child health.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Kakamega county’s decline in pre-term deaths reflects the impact of decentralising newborn services and strengthening community health interventions. By expanding care to subcounty hospitals and leveraging specialised units like the kangaroo care mothers’ facility, the county has reduced mortality from 26 to 20 per 1,000 live births. Persistent challenges, including delayed antenatal care—particularly among teen mothers—and gaps in access to SHA coverage, highlight the need for continued outreach, early pregnancy detection and maternal education. The county’s approach demonstrates how targeted health system reforms, combined with community engagement, can improve neonatal outcomes and advance progress toward national and SDG child health targets.