Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale responds to questions in the Senate on October 29, 2025. /SCREENGRABHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has challenged the accuracy of maternal mortality figures released by the Kiambu County Government, particularly those reported during the recent doctors’ strike.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi has repeatedly stated that the county did not record any maternal deaths for eight consecutive months.
However, appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Duale said data from the Ministry of Health paints a different picture.
“The maternal mortality figures given for Kiambu County are not correct. It’s wrong, and I think it’s good you withdraw it. Many mothers died, particularly when doctors were on strike,” Duale told senators.
He was responding to questions on the state of healthcare services under the new Social Health Authority (SHA).
“I have the names of the mothers and the newborns,” Duale said, adding that the ministry’s data supports concerns raised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
“Before the strike, Kiambu was doing well. But as the Minister for Health, I want to confirm to the nation that several maternal deaths occurred, and I’m ready to provide that evidence,” he added.
On October 1, KMPDU reported that more than 105 lives had been lost in Kiambu hospitals since the strike began in May.
In a statement signed by KMPDU chairperson Dr James Githinji, the union said two hospitals in the county recorded 53 infant deaths in September alone.
The statement cited data showing 18 infant deaths each in May and June, 14 in July, 18 in August, and 34 newborn deaths in September at Thika Level 5 Hospital.
KMPDU Secretary-General Dr Davji Atellah further claimed that patients seeking care in neighbouring counties faced delays and difficulties, including transfers in poorly equipped ambulances.
“It is unacceptable that people are suffering because of the county government’s inaction,” he said.
The Kiambu County Government, however, dismissed the allegations, accusing the union of inflating maternal and neonatal mortality figures.
Dr Patrick Nyaga, the county’s Chief Officer for Health, said health facilities were fully operational and adequately stocked with medicines.
“Our hospitals and clinics remain open and functional. When reports of a health crisis emerge, I urge people to consider the thousands of patients treated here daily,” he said.
Speaking on NTV on October 7, Dr Nyaga described KMPDU’s figures as “alarmist and inaccurate.”
“A single death is a matter of concern. But when we look at these numbers, they appear exaggerated. There is malice in adding numbers where they don’t exist,” he said.
Addressing the county assembly on October 8, Governor Wamatangi reiterated that his administration had improved healthcare services since he took office in 2022, leading to fewer preventable deaths.
He said Kiambu Level 5 Hospital did not record any maternal deaths between January and July this year.
“When we assumed office, the emergency department was struggling. Today, we have 19 fully equipped ambulances that function as mobile ICUs operated by qualified personnel,” he said.
Wamatangi further stated that the county’s zero-deaths record had been recognised by the Federation of International Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay.
“The mention was about an achievement that had not been thought possible in a developing country like Kenya,” he said.
However, Duale told senators that the remarks were misleading. “That information on zero deaths is not factual,” he said.
The Kiambu doctors called off their strike on October 24 after more than 150 days.
“We have had 18 meetings to resolve this matter. Today, we have signed a return-to-work formula that provides clear timelines on pending promotions, salary delays, and remittances,” Dr Atellah said after signing the agreement with the county government and the Council of Governors.
