Mpesa Foundation set to construct Sh45 million neonatal unit in Bungoma

Mpesa Foundation is set to construct a State-of-the-art neonatal unit at Bungoma’s Naitiri Sub-County Hospital.

The Sh45 million facility aimed at relieving expectant mothers is a partnership between the foundation and the county government.

The unit will include an antenatal and delivery room, post-natal amenities and significant improvements to the existing newborn unit.

The foundation's chairman James Ogutu said the project is in line with its vision aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare across the country.

.

Keep Reading business

•  Directline insurance moves to repair image amid shareholder wrangles
•  New KRA boss Muriithi wants outdated annual Finance Bill scrapped
•  Kenya-UAE deal could be a catalyst for job creation and an economic booster
•  Survey reveals housing project has missed the mark, is doomed to fail
•  TikTok's US future in limbo after Supreme Court ruling

“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,” said Mr Ogutu.

According to him, the project started in 2013 in Samburu, and to date, the foundation has 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,” he said.

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 adding, “This modern facility will include a labour ward, delivery room, theatre, kangaroo room for lactating mothers, and other essential spaces to support both mothers and fathers during this important time.”

While emphasizing the significance of partnerships in achieving the success of such projects, Mr Ogutu said the collaboration between the Mpesa Foundation, the Ministry of Health and the local government is critical for making a 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,” he said.

He said the 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 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 adding, “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.

His sentiments were echoed by Governor Ken Lusaka who 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