Bungoma County planning to build a modern Sh65 million maternity wing
Bungoma County Constructs Sh65 Million Ultra-Modern Maternity Wing
Bungoma County is set to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare services with the construction of a new Sh65 million ultra-modern maternity wing at Makhonge Health Centre in Kimilili Constituency [1]. The facility will feature a dedicated labour ward, a fully furnished maternity theatre, a postnatal unit, and a child health outpatient section, all designed to provide holistic care to mothers and newborns under one roof [1].
This development is part of Bungoma County’s commitment to strengthen primary healthcare, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and reduce the need for long-distance travel to access safe delivery services [1]. Governor Ken Lusaka emphasized that the facility will enable professional handling of deliveries, including emergency obstetric procedures, giving mothers a dignified birth environment and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes [1][2].
The maternity wing aims to address critical gaps by offering quality healthcare closer to the local population, ultimately reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths, which remain a significant global challenge according to WHO statistics [1]. This new facility is expected to enhance service delivery within Bungoma County’s health infrastructure [3].
Residents have expressed relief at the planned construction of the maternity wing, as they have been traveling long distances for maternal health services, often resulting in home births. Nekesa, a local resident, urged the county government to fast-track the construction of the maternity wing at Makhonge Health Centre, stating that the current health centre has no maternity wing [4].
In addition to the maternity wing, the Bungoma County administration has also announced plans to prioritize small-scale traders, particularly women and the youth, once the renovation of Kamukuywa Market is complete [5]. The governor emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for these groups, as they are disproportionately affected by poverty and lack of opportunities.
The construction of the maternity wing at Makhonge Health Centre is a significant step towards improving healthcare services in Bungoma County. With the completion of the facility, mothers and newborns will have access to quality care closer to home, reducing preventable deaths and improving health outcomes.
References:
[1] Bungoma County Government (2022). Press Release: Construction of Sh65 Million Ultra-Modern Maternity Wing at Makhonge Health Centre. [2] Ken Lusaka (2022). Speech delivered at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Makhonge Health Centre Maternity Wing. [3] Ministry of Health (2022). Bungoma County Health Sector Performance Report 2021. [4] Nekesa (2022). Interview with local resident. [5] Bungoma County Government (2022). Press Release: Kamukuywa Market Renovation to Boost Economic Empowerment for Women and Youth.
- The Bungoma County government plans to further improve health services, with an additional focus on women's health, by prioritizing small-scale traders, particularly women and youth, once Kamukuywa Market is renovated.
- The construction of the new Sh65 million ultramodern maternity wing at Makhonge Health Centre is not only for maternal and neonatal care, but also includes a fitness-and-exercise section to promote overall health and wellness.
- Governor Ken Lusaka expressed the intention to strengthen primary healthcare, reducing maternal and infant mortality in politics speeches, emphasizing the importance of health-and-wellness and women's health in his vision for Bungoma County.
- The epaper reported on the completion of the Sh65 million maternity wing, stating that it will reduce long-distance traveling for maternal health services, resulting in safer and more dignified childbirth experiences in the science column.
