By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 4 June 2026 - Isiolo County has taken a major step towards improving maternal and newborn healthcare following the completion of a modern maternity wing at the Isiolo County Referral Hospital through a partnership with the Safaricom Foundation.
County health officials, representatives from the Safaricom Foundation and members of the County Health Board toured the newly completed facility, expressing optimism that it will help address longstanding gaps in maternal healthcare services in the county.
Speaking during the inspection, County Health Board member Lydia Ntiyali said the facility had been designed to provide a safe and dignified environment for expectant mothers.
“This new maternity wing is designed to provide a safer, more dignified and highly conducive environment for expectant mothers during childbirth,"
she said.
Ms Ntiyali urged residents to support public health programmes and cautioned against the politicisation of healthcare institutions.
*"Hospitals must remain sacred sanctuaries focused entirely on delivering quality healthcare, free from political interference,"* she added.
The new wing is equipped with advanced medical equipment aimed at improving maternal and newborn care outcomes.
Chief Officer for Health Dr Mohamud Abdikadir said the facility features modern diagnostic and therapeutic machines that will enhance service delivery and reduce preventable complications during childbirth.
"We have deployed advanced diagnostic and therapeutic machines that will enhance maternal care and directly mitigate preventable complications and mortalities associated with childbirth,” said Dr Abdikadir.
To support the expanded services, the county government has also strengthened its healthcare workforce.
County Health Board chairperson Halake Kara said 27 doctors had been recruited under a government-sponsored programme and deployed across health facilities in the county.
“Deploying these additional medical professionals across our facilities ensures that our expanded capacity is matched by adequate human capital, guaranteeing residents timely and expert medical attention,,” Mr Kara said.
The maternity wing is expected to play a key role in Isiolo County's efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates while improving access to quality healthcare services.
County officials said the project demonstrates the impact of partnerships between county governments and the private sector in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to essential medical services in underserved regions.
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