Kenya sees 530 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births as MPs decry critical gaps in legislation

Kenya records 530 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, placing the country among Africa’s worst performers.

MPs say the numbers expose deep failures in the health system.

Speaking on Monday during a health policy forum at the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, organised by the Health NGOs Network (HENNET), National Assembly Health Committee chairperson Dr James Nyikal said the figures are “unacceptable for a stable and growing economy.”

“Kenya should not be there. Something is not right,” he said.

He added that the death rate mirrors countries facing war or state collapse.

The Seme MP said Kenya’s trend is alarming because the causes are preventable.

He noted that haemorrhage accounts for 44 percent of maternal deaths. Obstructed labour causes 34 percent, eclampsia 13 percent, sepsis 6pc, and ruptured uterus 3pc.

“All of them are things we can do something about,” he said.

Dr Nyikal said maternal deaths have risen over the years despite improvements in child survival.

He partly blamed weak county systems under devolution.

“With devolution, something happened; we lost something,” he said.
“Researchers should tell us what the impact of devolution is on health indices.”

He urged Parliament to fast-track three health bills: the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill, the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill.

“Parliament now has the responsibility to deliver strong, rights-based legislation,” he said.

He added that the laws would guarantee coordinated and well-financed services for mothers and children.

Dr Nyikal asked the Senate not to delay the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill again.

“Issues like surrogacy are going on without a law… We do not know what is happening to our young donors.”

He defended the breastfeeding bill, saying breast milk cannot be replaced by formula.

“Breast milk is alive… No formula can replace it,” he said.

He added that brain development happens largely in the first three years.

“If you wait until five years to start giving the child good food, you will get a very good body but not an equally good brain.”

Dr Nyikal criticised stigma against breastfeeding in public and urged mothers not to fear.

To cut deaths, he said every sub-county needs a level four hospital capable of emergency care.

“A true level four must be able to do a caesarean section and do blood,” he said.

He said referrals would drop sharply if local hospitals worked properly.

“If those levels work, level six may actually be empty.”

He proposed selecting one county as a model for an efficient maternal-care network with ambulances and clear referral guidelines.

Nyikal said Kenya’s challenge is not lack of knowledge but lack of action.

“The ‘know-do gap’ is where people know but they don’t do.”

He urged lawmakers to act urgently.

“Let us legislate with purpose, urgency and compassion. Every Kenyan family deserves a healthy start and dignified future.”