On October 20, 2025, Kitengela Level 4 Hospital recorded 75 births within 24 hours, highlighting a surge in safe delivery services in Kajiado County. This milestone aligns with a sharp decline in maternal and infant deaths over the past six months.
Kitengela Level 4 Hospital, recently upgraded, serves the rapidly growing town of Kitengela as well as nearby areas like Athi River and Mlolongo in Machakos County. It also provides care to refugees under the United Nations program.
On that Monday, 68 women gave birth, with seven delivering twins, resulting in 75 babies total. Of these, 25 were born via cesarean section and 43 normally. Five deaths among mothers and newborns were recorded.
Chief Maternity Officer Dr. Veronica Abuto stated: “Our hospital is currently overwhelmed by a large number of women seeking safe delivery. It is our policy not to turn away pregnant women in need of services. In the past six months, we have been able to reduce the gap in maternal deaths.”
Recent statistics show increased services: In September 2025, 466 babies were born (312 normally, 154 by cesarean), with 15 infant deaths. In August, 479 were born (119 by cesarean), with 11 deaths. In July, 364 were born (254 normally, 110 by cesarean), with seven deaths. The hospital averages 500 births per month, with about 400 normal and 100 by cesarean.
A refugee from Congo described the hospital as a “safe haven” for women from Rwanda and Congo, adding: “We come here for safe delivery. Without any complications, one leaves within 24 hours.”
To address the influx, the county health department has launched a new operating theater. Health Minister Alex Kilowua said: “We have set aside this new theater for cesarean deliveries and other birth emergencies,” noting it will help reduce maternal deaths to zero.