Construction of 53-bed newborn unit at Mama Lucy Hospital set to ease congestion

For many expectant mothers in Nairobi, giving birth often means long waits and overcrowded wards.

The Nairobi County Government has launched construction of a 53-bed newborn unit at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital to ease these challenges and provide safer, more dignified care for mothers and their babies.

The facility is designed to accommodate the growing number of deliveries in the county, offering space for skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care and immediate attention for newborns.

Currently, Pumwani Maternity Hospital remains the main maternity facility, handling up to 30,000 births annually, leaving thousands of mothers struggling to access timely care.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mama Lucy Hospital Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Obwanda described the expansion as a transformative step for maternal and child health services.

“Congestion has been one of our biggest challenges. The construction of this unit will provide enough space for mothers and promote skin-to-skin (kangaroo mother) care,” Obwanda said.

Hospital Board Chair Dorcus Kemunto highlighted how the project would restore dignity to mothers while reducing strain on staff and facilities.

“Access to maternal health remains a challenge for many families, especially in densely populated, low-income areas where infrastructure is limited. This project directly addresses those gaps by prioritising maternal and child health,” Kemunto added.

The project comes at a critical time, with hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital overwhelmed due to the ongoing doctors’ strike.

Acting CEO Richard Lesiyampe noted that maternity departments in level six hospitals are handling double their normal patient load, with some cases arriving too late for effective intervention.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union had claimed that at least 136 newborns died during the four-month strike, although Kiambu County Health Officer Patrick Nyagah dismissed the figures as exaggerated.

The new Mama Lucy unit is expected to relieve pressure on overstretched facilities and ensure mothers and infants receive timely and quality care.

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