COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF VIHIGA WITH M-PESA FOUNDATION LAUNCH A NEW ULTRA-MODERN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH INTEGRATED COMPLEX

Mothers and newborns in Vihiga County are set to benefit from improved healthcare services following the official launch of the new Maternal and Child Health Integrated Complex at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital in Mbale. The facility was launched today through a partnership between the County Government of Vihiga and the M-Pesa Foundation.

The Mother and Child Health Unit, fully funded and equipped by the M-Pesa Foundation, became operational on December 21, 2025. Since then, seven mothers have already delivered at the facility, with two undergoing caesarean section procedures and five having normal deliveries.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, Vihiga County Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo lauded the M-Pesa Foundation for the timely completion of the project, noting that construction was completed within eight months. He reiterated the County Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and acknowledged ongoing efforts that have seen Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Vihiga County receive national recognition.

The Governor noted that the new Mother and Child Health Unit is expected to significantly contribute to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality in the county.

M-Pesa Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to working with county governments to improve healthcare outcomes. He emphasized the importance of continuous training for Community Health Promoters and highlighted an ongoing training programme being implemented in partnership with AMREF across five counties, saying that Vihiga County should be included in it to be part of the initiative.

Mr. Ogutu further noted that the Foundation has finalized plans to roll out telemedicine services, which are expected to be launched in February 2026, as part of broader efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.

The M-Pesa Foundation invested KES. 60 million for the construction of the 40-bed capacity health complex. The facility comprises a caesarean section theatre, a three-bed delivery room, a 12-bed antenatal ward, a 20-bed postnatal ward, an eight-bed newborn unit, as well as a reception area, nursing station, and pharmacy.

The partnership between the County Government of Vihiga and the M-Pesa Foundation is expected to enhance maternal and child health services and improve overall health outcomes in the region.

The mother and child unit has also been equipped by the Fistula Foundation and MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership (MCGL).