Tharaka Nithi County is intensifying efforts to reduce maternal and infant deaths through a new set of interventions aimed at ensuring that every pregnancy is tracked, supported, and safely delivered.
Recent data shows that Tharaka Nithi continues to grapple with high rates of infant and maternal mortality. The county records an infant mortality rate of 18.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, while maternal deaths remain a concern, with recent cases linked to communication gaps in healthcare and limited access to skilled delivery services.
Governor Muthomi Njuki acknowledged the challenge, noting that a few years ago, Tharaka Nithi lagged behind most counties in Kenya in maternal health outcomes.
“In the past, many women gave birth at home and failed to attend antenatal clinics. But we are changing that. A mother understands this journey in ways men often don’t. A child must be cared for from the very first day until birth,” he said.
To bridge this gap, the county government has rolled out digital tracking of pregnancies to monitor maternal and newborn health outcomes more effectively.
“We have vowed to digitize all pregnancies in Tharaka Nithi to help mothers and newborns. Every pregnant woman must register with a community health promoter and attend clinic visits. This way, we can plan for newborns, vaccines, and essential medicines,” Governor Njuki explained.
Currently, about 75 percent of women in Tharaka Nithi deliver in health facilities, while 25 percent still give birth at home or in unregistered locations. The governor said the goal is to reach 100 percent facility deliveries by 2026.
To encourage more women to seek skilled care, the county plans to introduce monetary incentives for expectant mothers who complete at least four antenatal clinic visits and deliver in health facilities.
“We are offering financial motivation to women who attend clinics and give birth in hospitals so that we can reduce both maternal and infant deaths,” said Njuki.
Tharaka Nithi’s data also shows that about 60 percent of pregnant women attend antenatal clinics, but vaccination rates remain low in some areas. The county government is working to strengthen awareness and improve access through community health promoters, who will follow up on every pregnancy and ensure timely care.
Across Kenya, postpartum haemorrhage, infections, hypertensive diseases, and obstructed labour remain among the leading causes of maternal deaths. Experts say early detection, skilled birth attendance, and prompt intervention can save lives.
Governor Njuki emphasized that the fight against maternal and infant mortality requires collective effort.
“We want every mother in Tharaka Nithi to give birth safely in a health facility. No woman should die while giving life,” he said.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), Kenya’s infant mortality rate is 32 deaths per 1,000 live births, neonatal mortality stands at 21 deaths per 1,000, and the under-5 mortality rate is 41 deaths per 1,000 live births,figures that counties like Tharaka Nithi are working hard to bring down.
