Improved maternal health care services linked to drop in maternal mortality rate in Nakuru - report
A new born inside an incubator at Margaret Kenyatta mother baby wing in Nakuru.
Nakuru County’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 261 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly lower than the national average of 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the County Gender Data Sheet 2025.
The report attributes this progress to increased access to skilled healthcare providers, improved health infrastructure, and greater utilization of maternal health services. Nakuru County has continued to record strong performance in maternal and reproductive healthcare services, with facility-based deliveries remaining high at 94 per cent.
The report indicates that 93.4 per cent of deliveries in the county were attended by skilled health personnel, reflecting sustained investment in quality maternal healthcare services and improved access to health facilities. These interventions have contributed significantly to safer childbirth outcomes for both mothers and newborns.
The county also recorded encouraging results in antenatal care. About 73.4 per cent of expectant mothers attended at least four antenatal care visits, surpassing the national average of 66 per cent. Additionally, 97.7 per cent of women received antenatal services from qualified healthcare providers, demonstrating the county’s commitment to ensuring that pregnant women receive appropriate medical attention throughout pregnancy.
Postnatal care uptake has also improved considerably. The report shows that 88.9 per cent of newborns received a health check-up within two days of birth, while 82.4 per cent of mothers accessed postnatal care during the same period. Both indicators are above the national averages, highlighting the effectiveness of maternal and child health interventions implemented across the county.
According to the report, sustained investment in maternal and reproductive healthcare programmes will be essential in maintaining these achievements and further improving health outcomes for women and children across the county.