Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon traded spikes for shovels this week, launching the Dare to Dream Maternity in Keringet, a bold, community‑led project designed to slash childbirth complications and bring dignified maternal care to the heart of Nakuru County.
From world records to real‑world impact
Kipyegon, the double world record holder whose name is synonymous with middle‑distance excellence, framed the initiative as a return to her roots.
“Growing up in Keringet, I saw women suffer during childbirth because of poor healthcare,” she said, explaining that those childhood memories sparked a mission to ensure safe, respectful births close to home.
The maternity wing is the tangible next step in a journey that began with last year’s #Breaking4 campaign — an effort that sought to inspire women to chase audacious dreams.
A shift from inspiration to infrastructure
While #Breaking4 aimed to push athletic boundaries and belief, Kipyegon said the focus has now shifted toward a more lasting breakthrough: maternal health.
“This project is about building dignity, possibility, and a brighter future,” she declared as construction began, stressing that supporting women uplifts entire communities.
Partners, purpose, and promise
The project is backed by Nike and local stakeholders, blending corporate support with grassroots energy. Tanya Hvizdak, Nike’s global head of running, hailed the centre as more than a building.
“Today is more than groundbreaking. It’s a commitment — to mothers, to families, and to the next generation,” she said, adding that Kipyegon’s work proves greatness is measured not only in medals but in lives changed.
What the facility will deliver
The Dare to Dream Maternity will offer emergency obstetric care, skilled birth attendants, and a nurturing environment for mothers and newborns.
Organisers say the facility will reduce travel times for expectant mothers, lower the risk of complications, and create a hub for maternal education and community health outreach.
A star‑studded send‑off
The ceremony drew heavyweights from Kenya’s sporting world, including marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and Barnaba Korir, deputy president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya. Their presence underscored the project’s symbolic weight: an athlete’s victory translated into a lifeline for her community.
Kipyegon’s maternity project is a striking reminder that the influence of champions can extend far beyond the track.
With shovels in the ground and a clear vision in place, the Dare to Dream Maternity aims to turn inspiration into lasting, life‑saving change.
