Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon launched a maternity wing in Keringet, Nakuru County. She partnered with Nike and other key organisations. The project marks a major investment in maternal and newborn healthcare. It aims to reach women in rural areas who often travel long distances for skilled care.
Maternal mortality remains a major challenge in Kenya. About 355 women die for every 100,000 live births. This equals nearly 6,000 deaths a year or about 16 women daily. Most deaths are preventable. Causes include postpartum haemorrhage, obstructed labour, pre-eclampsia, and infections. Experts say timely access to skilled birth attendants and emergency care could save most lives.
Maternal deaths vary sharply by county. Garissa, Tana River, Bomet, Kericho, Narok, and Homa Bay report over 500 deaths per 100,000 births. Urban areas are not exempt. Mombasa and Nairobi also report high numbers, despite more hospitals and doctors. This shows quality of care is often more important than access. Counties like Nyeri have made progress, with death rates approaching global targets. These successes show what consistent investment can achieve.
Beyond deaths, thousands of women suffer complications each year. These include obstetric fistula, severe anaemia, and long-term disabilities. Stillbirths and fetal complications are also common. Some counties report stillbirth rates as high as 30 per 1,000 births. Late referrals and poor monitoring during labour worsen outcomes. Experts estimate over 80% of maternal and fetal deaths link to poor quality care, even in health facilities.
Keringet Maternity Wing: Services and Community Impact
The Keringet maternity wing is designed to address these challenges. It has delivery rooms, postnatal care units, and essential medical equipment. Trained midwives and nurses provide round-the-clock care. Health officials say the facility will reduce travel distances for mothers. It will improve early detection of complications through antenatal care. The wing will also ease pressure on referral hospitals. Community outreach encourages early clinic visits and skilled deliveries.
At the launch, Faith Kipyegon stressed that no woman should die giving life. She said many rural mothers still deliver without skilled support. Nakuru County leaders welcomed the facility. They called it a boost to grassroots healthcare and a model for effective partnerships.
The Role of Partnerships and Nike’s Contribution
Maternal health remains central to Kenya’s development goals. Progress toward targets has been uneven. More women deliver with skilled attendants now, but quality of care lags behind. Strategic partnerships help fill critical gaps. For the Keringet maternity wing, Nike played a key role. It provided funding, technical support, and mobilisation. The collaboration drew inspiration from Faith Kipyegon’s “Dare to Dream” initiative and the Breaking4 mile challenge.
Nike’s work in Kenya goes beyond athletics. It supports the Nala Track Club, empowering female runners and coaches in Nyahururu. It also partners with Rescue.co to provide emergency medical services for athletes. These projects show how sports brands can improve health, safety, and skills in communities. The Keringet maternity wing reflects the same principle. It aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths while strengthening community resilience.
The facility will benefit thousands of families each year. It proves that influence can extend beyond sports. When directed to urgent social needs, it can save lives and strengthen communities.
