Kenya Secures a KSh 10.4 Billion Collaboration to Rapidly Implement Improvements in Maternal and Newborn Health
Posted on : Thursday, 6th August 2026
After the signing of a Collaboration Framework between the Ministry of Health and the Beginnings Fund, Kenya has intensified its efforts to end avoidable maternal and newborn deaths. This represents a significant milestone in the advancement of equitable, superior maternal and newborn healthcare through nationwide led reforms.
In order to support Kenya's maternal and newborn health goals and promote the execution of the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan, the collaboration unlocks an investment of USD 80 million over the next five years. By 2030, the program's actions are anticipated to help approximately six million women and newborns, with a concentration on 21 high-burden counties and nearly 200 high-volume healthcare facilities.
The program, which is backed by the Starting Point Fund, the Gates Foundation, the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other international partners, will bolster efforts to lower avoidable maternal and newborn mortality while constructing a more strong and durable healthcare system.
The collaboration supports the government's continuous efforts to improve maternal and newborn health, as well as the Maternal and Newborn Health Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), which was started under the Taifa Care initiative by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto. In order to lower maternal mortality, neonatal fatalities and stillbirths, it will strengthen leadership, raise the standard of care, encourage innovation, improve sustainable finance and strengthen accountability.
The availability of life-saving medications, necessities and medical technology will be supported by significant funding; maternity and newborn infrastructure will be improved; the health workforce will grow; medical emergency referral mechanisms will be strengthened; digital health solutions will be accelerated; and health information systems will be improved. While coordinating international partner investments with the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation ambition (BETA), the interventions will improve Kenya's Universal Health Coverage ambition.
At the signing ceremony, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. According to Aden Duale, the Ministry is supporting a nation-led strategy for transforming the health sector, pointing out that development collaborations need to go from dispersed initiatives to coordinated investments that improve governmental structures and produce long-lasting health results. He underlined that tight cooperation between the federal government, local governments and other development partners is necessary for successful implementation.
The Cabinet Secretary praised the Starting Point Fund for coordinating its investment with Kenya's national health priorities and advocated for a cohesive strategy based on a single plan, budget and accountability structure to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency in achieving outcomes.
The signing of the Collaboration Framework is a big step toward guaranteeing that every woman has access to high-quality, safe maternity care while ensuring every baby has a high opportunity of surviving and thriving.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Council of Governors Chief Executive Officer Ms. Mary Mwiti, Beginnings Fund Chief Executive Officer Ms. Alice Kang'ethe, the World Health Organization Country Representative Dr. Neema Kimambo, Director of Family Health Dr. Bashir Issak, county government representatives, development partners, implementing governing bodies and upper-ranking Ministries of Health personnel were among those present at the ceremony.
