M-Pesa Foundation Trustee Patricia Ithau engages Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa before the groundbreaking of a new maternity wing at Navakholo Sub-County Hospital, marking the launch of the Uzazi Salama programme in Kakamega county/HANDOUT

M-Pesa Foundation launched its Uzazi Salama programme in Kakamega county alongside the groundbreaking of a new Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Unit at Navakholo Sub-County Hospital.

The investment is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for mothers, newborns, children and adolescents.

Ground was broken for the new Sh80 million facility on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The facility will have 83 beds and is expected to be completed within 36 weeks.

Among other things, the facility will include a neonatal unit, a theatre and a kangaroo care centre to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to care for mothers and newborns.

The launch brings Kakamega County into the growing list of counties implementing the Uzazi Salama programme. The programme was first rolled out in Samburu, Homa Bay, Baringo and Lamu, and has since expanded to Kilifi, Narok and Nakuru. Kitui and Kiambu counties are expected to join soon.

“This is a significant milestone as we launch the Uzazi Salama programme, which is built on the belief that every mother and every child deserves to live and thrive,” Ithau said.

M-Pesa Foundation Trustee Patricia Ithau delivers her remarks at Navakholo Sub-County Hospital during the launch of a programme aimed at improving maternal and newborn healthcare./HANDOUT

The three-year programme in Kakamega county seeks to strengthen healthcare services in hospitals and communities, encourage families to seek medical attention early, support timely referrals and improve health facility infrastructure.

It also aims to address three key delays that can prevent mothers and newborns from receiving timely care: delays in deciding to seek medical attention, reaching a health facility and receiving appropriate treatment once there.

Ithau noted that the Foundation’s investment in health infrastructure was intended to contribute to better healthcare outcomes for communities.

“Through these facilities, we aim to improve access to healthcare and ensure better health outcomes for people across the county and the wider region,” she said.

She added that the programme’s broader goal was to help ensure that women receive quality care regardless of where they live.

“We want to bring healthcare services to the standard that every mother and every woman across Kenya deserves, regardless of where they live,” Ithau said.

Uzazi Salama in Kakamega County will be implemented in partnership with the Kakamega County Government, Amref Health Africa, healthcare workers and Community Health Promoters, with a focus on improving the delivery of maternal and newborn healthcare services.