By Caroline Katana
Fanikisha Foundation has intensified its Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) in Kwale County, bringing local journalists on board to spotlight the region’s urgent struggle with maternal and newborn mortality.
“We’ve sensitized journalists on the burden of maternal and newborn deaths in Kwale and agreed to work together as champions of maternal and newborn health,” said Christine Mvurya, Founder and Director of Fanikisha Foundation, at a recent media session held in Diani, Kwale.
Kwale has long battled high child mortality. Recent figures show that its under-five mortality rate stands at 149 per 1,000 live births, significantly higher than the national average of 116.
More alarmingly, the neonatal mortality rate—deaths within 28 days of birth—is around 44 per 1,000 live births, roughly double Kenya’s national average of 22 per 1,000.
Late Clinic Visits Still a Key Problem
County health data underscores a worrying trend: most expectant mothers start Antenatal Care (ANC) after the critical 12-week mark, sacrificing valuable interventions like iron supplementation, infection screening, and patient counselling.
“Late clinic visits mean mothers miss essential services. Starting ANC before three months allows for early detection and timely treatment,” stressed Christine.
Fanikisha Foundation founder and director, Christine Mvurya
Though Kwale County governor Fatuma Achani recently commissioned a KSh 36.2 million neonatal unit at Msambweni Referral Hospital — including ICU, HDU, incubators, kangaroo care spaces, and postnatal beds — shortages persist elsewhere in the county.
Reports show that many rural facilities still lack incubators, forcing dangerous referrals to Msambweni or Mombasa late in critical moments.
“The lack of incubators in most public hospitals in Kwale County has led to high infant mortality… emergency cases. referred to private hospitals when it is too late.”
Barriers to Care: Cost, Culture & Distance
Despite new facilities, many face financial hurdles, long travel distances, and inadequate referral systems.
This is exacerbated by misconceptions about childbirth.
“Some mothers believe that after one or two safe deliveries, they need no more care. But every pregnancy has its risks,” warned Christine.
Over 20 Maternal Deaths in 2025—and Counting
Kwale has recorded more than 20 maternal deaths since January, nearly all linked to late ANC, unsafe birthing conditions, and delayed referrals.
“It is heartbreaking to lose mothers in preventable situations. We’re calling on the media and the wider community to help change this,” said Christine.
Fanikisha Foundation also champions birth spacing — from both a health and developmental perspective.
“We’re not limiting family sizes —but ensuring mothers and children have time to recover and thrive before the next pregnancy,” She clarified.
Journalists Voices That Can Save Lives
Edward Mumbo, an advisor at Fanikisha Foundation, emphasized the role of media in influencing public behavior and policy:
“Journalists are the voice of the voiceless. Use your platforms to inform, highlight grassroots issues, and catalyze change in maternal and newborn health.”he said.
Fanikisha Foundation advisor, Edward Mumbo
Kenya’s neonatal mortality rate is 21 per 1,000 live births, with prematurity, birth asphyxia, and sepsis accounting for about 70% of neonatal deaths .
Kenya continues to record high maternal deaths, driven by hemorrhage, infection, and hypertensive disorders.
The Coast Province has historically lagged, with infant mortality hovering around 71 per 1,000 births as recently as 2008–09 .
Why the Statistics Matter
Kwale’s extremely high under-five and neonatal mortality rates — paired with a rising maternal death toll — underline the urgent need for earlier ANC enrolment (ideally before 12 weeks of gestation). Functional referral systems and transport subsidies.
Adequate neonatal equipment — incubators, CPAP machines — in every facility. Family planning education and birth spacing awareness. Media-led advocacy for local policy and resource allocation
With its “Okoa Mama na Mtoto” initiative, Fanikisha Foundation is igniting both data-driven community awareness and targeted policy change.
Partnering with journalists, the Foundation hopes to ensure a healthier Kwale, where no mother or child is lost to preventable causes.
