The foundation stone for a new 26-bed Mother and Baby unit at Tot Sub County Hospital has been laid. The facility, located in Endo Ward, Marakwet East Sub-County, is set to transform maternal and neonatal healthcare in the region.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Wisley Rotich said, “I would like to thank Safaricom Mpesa Foundation for the partnership.”
The Sh 40 million project funded through a partnership with the Safaricom Mpesa Foundation, which begins construction immediately, is expected to be completed by October 5th.
It will feature a fully equipped New Born Unit, a theater, antenatal and postnatal wards, and a delivery unit, catering to mothers throughout Kerio Valley.
Governor Rotich emphasized the significance of the new facility, noting, “Kerio Valley has never had a modern Mother and Baby unit, and this will come in handy. I urge the Ministry of Health to work with the county to change the narrative of the valley from a ‘valley of death’ to a ‘valley of opportunity.”
Jeremiah Chirchir, Chief Officer for Health, highlighted the hospital’s importance; “This will be the only facility of its kind in the Kerio Valley belt and Marakwet East Sub-County. It will support not just Elgeyo Marakwet, but also neighboring counties like Baringo and West Pokot.”
He added that services offered at the hospital will help residents reduce the distance for referrals and address emergency issues, ultimately saving lives.
Before this development, mothers in the region faced significant challenges. “Our mothers and babies struggled, especially those with delivery complications,” Chirchir explained.
The nearest facilities were Kapsowar Mission Hospital, 80 kilometers away, and Iten County and Referral Hospital. “The new hospital will provide emergency C-sections and neonatal care, significantly improving maternal and infant health outcomes.”
Margret Cheboi, a resident of Tot, shared her hopes: “Currently, we lack the necessary equipment, and many pre-term babies do not survive. We are optimistic that this new hospital will change that. It will also encourage more women to have children, knowing they will receive proper care.”
Cheboi also mentioned women’s logistical challenges, such as difficulty accessing ambulances and the distance to hospitals. “Many women who need C-sections cannot get them in time, leading to tragic outcomes. The new unit will ensure that such emergencies are promptly addressed,” she said.
Cheboi praised the governor’s efforts and the support from the Safaricom Foundation, stating, “This is a good thing. It will increase our birth rate and improve the health and security of our community.”
The initiative is also seen as a step toward fostering peace and cohesion among the valley’s communities. Chirchir noted, “The hospital will bring mothers from West Pokot, Baringo, and beyond, fostering business and social interactions, and contributing to peace in the region.”
By Rennish Okong’o
