The National Coroners Service Bill, 2026, proposes the creation of a specialised body that would investigate deaths considered reportable and carry out post-mortem examinations to establish the circumstances surrounding them.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe President recalled a moment during a visit to New York last year when a conversation with a global health expert pushed him to reflect on Kenya’s progress in reducing maternal and child deaths.
By Rose AchiengThe President outlined Kenya’s approach, which focuses on both improving health services and ensuring families can afford care. Central to this effort is the newly established Social Health Authority, which provides pre-paid coverage for maternal services.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe ministry maintains it has not issued a directive to stop maternity reimbursements at any facility. However, it notes that level two facilities are not licensed for inpatient services under KMPDC rules and must upgrade infrastructure to safely handle deliveries.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe report identifies postpartum haemorrhage as the leading cause of maternal deaths, with Tana River, Garissa, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Machakos, Homa Bay, Siaya, Wajir, Kilifi, Murang’a, Makueni, Migori, and Turkana counties having the highest fatalities. Kenya’s maternal mortality ratio remains at 355 per 100,000 live births, while neonatal mortality is 21 per 1,000 live births.
By Maureen Kinyanjui