By Elizabeth Mwibanda, Bungoma
The County government of Bungoma in partnership with the M-Pesa Foundation, today held a groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art neonatal unit at Naitiri Sub County Hospital.
The foundation has donated Sh45 million for the construction of the unit, which will include an antenatal and delivery room, post-natal amenities, and significant improvements to the existing newborn unit.
Mr James Ogutu, the Chairman of M-Pesa Foundation, noted that this is an ongoing project aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare across the country.
“The construction of this modern maternity unit will transform the lives of not only the people in this region but also those from across the entire county.”~ Lusaka
He highlighted the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that every pregnant mother has access to comprehensive care from early stages of pregnancy through safe delivery.
“M-Pesa Foundation has a program called Afya Uzazi Salama, which aims to ensure the well-being of every pregnant mother from the first stage of pregnancy up until delivery,” Ogutu said
He went on: “This project started in 2013 in Samburu, and to date, we have established similar facilities in nine counties. We are working to partner with the department of Health in every county to fund the construction of modern maternity wards.”
Ogutu also expressed the foundation’s goal of completing the Naitiri Sub County Hospital facility within six months, with a focus on improving the safety and well-being of pregnant women.
“We are committed to completing this project as quickly as possible because our primary goal is to restore the dignity of every woman and ensure she receives the best care,” he said. “This modern facility will include a labor ward, delivery room, theatre, kangaroo room for lactating mothers, and other essential spaces to support both mothers and fathers during this important time.”
Ogutu further emphasized the significance of partnerships in achieving the success of such projects, stating that the collaboration between M-Pesa Foundation, the Ministry of Health, and the local government is critical for making meaningful impact in society.
“Partnership is key. We would not have made it this far without strong collaboration with our partners, allowing us to give back to the community,” Ogutu said.
The M-Pesa Foundation has also been involved in several other community initiatives in Bungoma, including medical camps where 3,000 people received treatment, a fistula camp in Webuye Sub County Hospital, and the construction of classrooms in Naitiri Township and Naitiri RC.
Phelix Kosgei, the Medical Superintendent at Naitiri Sub County Hospital, praised the collaboration between the Mpesa Foundation, the Ministry of Health, and the County Government of Bungoma, noting that the new maternity ward will benefit not only the people of Tongaren Sub County but also expectant mothers from other regions.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Mpesa Foundation’s generosity, which has made this new facility possible,” Kosgei said. “Naitiri Hospital serves as a key service provider for Tongaren Sub County, and this new maternity ward will significantly enhance our capacity to provide quality care for expectant mothers.”
Kosgei also highlighted the challenges faced due to limited maternity beds, noting that in 2024, the hospital recorded 4,997 deliveries with only 50 maternity beds. With the new facility, he is optimistic that delivery rates will increase, and the facility will be fully equipped to offer efficient services.
Governor Ken Lusaka expressed his gratitude to the Mpesa Foundation for their continued support in various sectors, including the recent construction of classrooms and the launch of the new maternity unit.
“On behalf of the people of Bungoma County, I want to sincerely thank the Mpesa Foundation for their ongoing support,” Governor Lusaka said. “The construction of this modern maternity unit will transform the lives of not only the people in this region but also those from across the entire county.”
He also urged the foundation to consider awarding tenders to local suppliers to ensure that the funds circulate within the community, benefiting the local economy.
