Makueni County has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative that redefines maternal and newborn healthcare by actively involving men in the process. The program, launched under the Okoa Mama na Mtoto umbrella, is designed to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality while strengthening community-based health systems.
At the center of this ambitious effort are bodaboda riders, often the first responders during emergencies in rural areas. These riders have been trained as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) in maternal, newborn, and adolescent health. Their role is to cascade lifesaving knowledge to their peers while ensuring expectant mothers can access timely transport and emergency services. The initiative is anchored in the EWENE movement — Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere — which emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare delivery.
The launch brought together bodaboda representatives from all 30 wards of the county, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the program. By leveraging the widespread presence of riders, the county aims to create an emergency response network that complements the work of Community Health Promoters, whose mobility is often limited.
Over the next two years, the initiative has set clear goals: reduce maternal deaths in health facilities by 30%, ensure 80% of emergency transfers are carried out promptly, and enroll at least 40% of active riders into an accredited emergency transport network. This integrated approach underscores the county’s belief that saving mothers and newborns requires community-wide participation.
The county leadership emphasized that bodabodas are not just transporters but lifesavers whose contribution will be pivotal in reducing preventable maternal and child deaths. Their involvement represents a significant shift in perception, positioning men as active partners in reproductive health rather than passive bystanders.
The program was launched in conjunction with World Contraception Day 2025, celebrated nationally in Makueni under the theme “A Choice for All: Agency, Intention, and Access.” The event provided an opportunity to showcase progress, share best practices, and highlight remaining challenges in family planning access. Makueni’s contraceptive prevalence rate currently stands at 64%, ahead of the national average of 57%, reflecting the county’s leadership in reproductive health.
As celebrations concluded, one message resonated strongly: in Makueni, safeguarding mothers and newborns is a collective responsibility. Men, and particularly bodaboda riders, are now at the heart of this life-saving journey.
