President William Ruto has issued a firm directive requiring all hospitals—both public and private—to submit real-time data on maternal and infant deaths to the Digital Health Authority (DHA). Speaking on Wednesday, November 19, the Head of State warned that some facilities have been concealing crucial mortality data, undermining national efforts to address preventable deaths.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a maternal death occurs when a woman dies while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination, due to complications related to the pregnancy or its management. Many of these deaths can be prevented with timely, high-quality care—a gap the President says must be urgently closed.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 places the country’s maternal mortality ratio at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, equivalent to approximately 6,000 maternal deaths annually. Infant mortality stands at 32 deaths per 1,000 live births, with factors such as maternal age, birth size, place of delivery, and antenatal care access contributing significantly.
“Maternal and newborn mortalities remain unacceptably high. No woman should die while giving birth, and no baby should be lost to preventable causes,” President Ruto said. He emphasized that Kenya cannot continue losing more than 300 mothers per 100,000 births while the global benchmark is 70.
Ruto also announced that the Ministry of Health will conduct a nationwide survey—due by March 2026—to identify counties with the highest mortality burdens. This data will guide targeted interventions to strengthen health systems, particularly in high-risk regions such as Tana River, Garissa, Samburu, Marsabit, Siaya, and Elgeyo Marakwet.
The President made the remarks during an event where the WHO handed over ambulances and medical supplies meant to boost emergency care and oxygen capacity across referral hospitals. These resources, he noted, will play a critical role in reducing maternal deaths.
Deeply concerned, Ruto recalled being questioned abroad about Kenya’s alarming mortality statistics. “I was very embarrassed,” he admitted, reaffirming his commitment to bringing the numbers down.
The mandatory DHA reporting system is expected to enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, and accelerate life-saving reforms in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
