U.S. Delivers Ksh50.9M Medical Equipment to 175 Kenyan Health Facilities

Kenya, April 11, 2026 - The United States Government has supplied critical maternal and newborn care equipment to 175 health facilities across the country in a push to promote maternal and child health.

 The Susan Burns, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, confirmed that the equipment includes 143 neonatal warmers, 550 nebulizers, and 541 pulse oximeters.

 The equipment will be fundamental in managing complications experienced during childbirth and in the first hours of a newborn’s life, in health facilities that face shortages of essential tools.

 The equipment was distributed in healthcare facilities in 31 counties, including Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kwale, Lamu, Machakos, and Mandera.

 Others include Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Narok, Nyamira, Samburu, Siaya, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Vihiga, Wajir, and West Pokot.

“Ensuring that facilities have essential equipment is one of the most practical ways of improving outcomes for mothers and newborns,” Burns said.

 “Through our collaboration with the Government of Kenya, we are supporting health facilities to deliver timely, lifesaving care where it is needed most.”

Kenya currently records an estimated 355 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 21 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births annually, with many linked to complications during pregnancy, delivery, and early infancy.

 According to the embassy, this initiative, which is valued at approximately Ksh 50.9 million, forms part of broader U.S.-supported efforts to strengthen Kenya’s health system, especially in underserved areas, which have exceeded $294 million (Ksh38 billion).

 The funds have supported national priorities, including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, polio, maternal and child health, and global health security.

“The distribution coincided with the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference held in Kenya from March 23-27, reinforcing shared efforts to strengthen frontline services and reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths,” the embassy stated.