Ushiriki Wema Foundation donates neonatal incubators to four counties to curb preterm deaths

PHOTO: Ushiriki Wema Foundation Patron Tessie Musalia (C) officially handing over the Okoa Malaika program state-of-the-art neonatal incubators to hospitals in Narok, Kajiado, Kericho, and Bomet to strengthen newborn care, reduce neonatal mortality, and give every premature and critically ill infant in Kenya a healthier start to life.

NAROK, Kenya, July 2 – Healthcare for newborns across four counties received a major boost following Ushiriki Wema Foundation donation of neonatal incubators to hospitals in Narok, Kajiado, Kericho and Bomet counties under its Okoa Malaika programme marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to curb infant mortality among premature and critically ill infants.

Ushiriki Wema Foundation Patron Madam Tessie Musalia Mudavadi, while speaking during the event described premature birth as one of Kenya’s biggest maternal and child health challenges, saying every child deserves a healthy start to life.

“Preterm birth remains a crisis in Kenya, with approximately 134,000 babies born too soon each year – nearly 12% of all births. Tragically, 42, 000 of these infants do not survive, while thousands more face lifelong health complications. This is not encouraging at all”, said Mrs Musalia.

Tessie stated that behind many of these deaths is a gap, A gap in resources, A premature baby placed in a ward with no incubator.

“A healthcare worker with the skills to save a life, but without the tools to do so Health facilities doing their best with their least and in that gap, we lose our children, these are not challenges Kenya has ignored, they are challenges our nation has committed itself to solving”.

Additionally, She noted that the Okoa Malaika programme is restoring hope to families by equipping hospitals with life-saving neonatal equipment and strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers to care for vulnerable newborns.

Narok County First Lady Agnes Ntutu welcomed the partnership between the county government and the Ushiriki Wema Foundation, noting that increased investment in maternal and newborn healthcare is key to improving child survival and expanding access to quality healthcare services.

The Foundation says the programme continues to expand its reach to public hospitals across the country as part of efforts to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare and give every Kenyan child an equal chance at life.

Subsequently, Tessie highlighted that On 28th May 2026 at the launch of the Kenya Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan 2026-2028 President William Ruto reminded us that maternal and newborn deaths devastate not only families, but communities and our nation.

“Protecting mothers and children is essential to building a stronger future for Kenya”.

The head of state earlier said government would intensify efforts under the universal health coverage programme to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, stressing that preventable fatalities should no longer be tolerated. (Allocation of 4.5 b to build maternal & child)

“Through the Ushiriki Wema Foundation’s Okoa Malaika program we are proud to stand alongside the National commitment to EWENE Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere, and together with our advocacy and strategic partnerships, we are equipping health facilities, empowering healthcare workers, and giving more babies born too soon a fighting chance to survive and thrive”, stated Mrs Musalia.

Further, Tessie noted that every phase of the Okoa Malaika safari brings one step closer to a Kenya where every newborn, everywhere is given the best possible start in life.

“Today, we celebrate another significant milestone as our journey reaches counties 29, 30, 31 and 32 Narok, Kericho, Kajiado and Bomet”.

“Our vision is simple. A Kenya where; Every woman receives the care she deserves, Every newborn is given the best possible start to a healthy life, Every healthcare worker has the equipment needed to save lives and Every hospital is ready to provide life saving care when it matters most”.

The vision belongs to all of National government, counties, healthcare workers, the private sector, civil society, communities, and every partner who believes that every life is worth protecting.

Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador, Njoki Mambo, said the initiative represents hope for mothers and families across the country, adding that no child should lose the chance to live because a hospital lacks the equipment needed to provide specialized care.

Reflecting on World Prematurity Day in November 2023, where a promise was made that no family in Kenya should suffer the heartbreak of losing a baby to prematurity.

“That promise has walked us across this country, all the way to 28 facilities and counting.When we place an incubator in a hospital, we are doing something very simple and yet very profound”, said Njoki.

“We are giving a baby born too soon what the world outside the womb cannot yet offer warmth, protection, and time. Time to grow. Time to breathe. Time to be ready. Each incubator we place is not just a piece of equipment. It is a symbol of hope. It is a promise to every mother that her baby’s survival will never be left to chance”.

Ms Njoki noted that she had the privilege of witnessing the programme up close of seeing what it looks like when a hospital receives this equipment.

“I have seen the faces of nurses who finally have the tools to match their skill. I have seen what it means for a facility to be ready. And I can tell you it really matters”.

“As an ambassador, I truly enjoy telling the stories of these little angels and reminding us that our mission is urgent. Because behind every incubator is a baby fighting for life.Behind every baby is a mother who has refused to give up. And behind every mother is a family holding its breath, waiting to exhale”.

“We want a future where no family in Kenya suffers the heartbreak of losing a baby to prematurity, We are not there yet but we are on our way and with the same conviction that has walked us to 32 facilities today, we will not stop until every public hospital in this republic is ready to receive life”.