World‑record‑breaking middle‑distance runner Faith Kipyegon has announced plans to launch a maternity wing in Keriget, a major community development initiative aimed at improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in her home region. The project, set to be realised through strategic partnerships with global and local stakeholders, underscores Kipyegon’s growing commitment to social impact and community upliftment beyond athletics.
The maternity wing will be developed with support from Nike, the renowned international sportswear brand; The Order of Malta, a global humanitarian organization; the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, a religious order with a long history of community health service; and active engagement from the local Keriget community. This multi‑partner collaboration blends international resources, faith‑based service experience, and grassroots involvement to create a sustainable healthcare facility tailored to the needs of women and infants.
Keriget, located in a rural area where access to quality healthcare services has traditionally been limited, will be the site of the new facility. The maternity wing is expected to provide essential services including prenatal care, safe delivery services, emergency obstetric care, postnatal support, and neonatal care—services that are critical for reducing maternal and infant mortality and improving overall community health. Local health officials have highlighted the gap in specialised maternal care in the region, noting that many women currently travel long distances to access basic services, a situation that can be especially perilous during complicated pregnancies or childbirth.
Nike’s involvement will include financial support, infrastructure development assistance, and a focus on sustainability. The brand has previously engaged in community health and development initiatives in Kenya, and its participation in the Keriget project reflects a growing trend of sports partnerships transcending athletic programs to support broader social causes. The Order of Malta, with decades of experience in medical and humanitarian missions worldwide, will provide technical expertise in emergency and community healthcare systems, while the Franciscan Sisters will bring hands‑on service delivery, drawing on their network of health professionals and community volunteers.
Faith Kipyegon has spoken passionately about the reasons behind the initiative, emphasising her desire to give back to the community that nurtured her. She has described maternal health as “a fundamental cornerstone of strong families and resilient communities,” and highlighted the importance of bringing care closer to home for women who might otherwise face economic and logistical barriers to accessing medical attention.
Local leaders and healthcare advocates have welcomed the announcement, suggesting that the maternity wing could serve as a model for similar rural health investments across Kenya. They point to the potential of such facilities to not only save lives but also to empower women, reduce healthcare inequalities, and strengthen the overall health system.
As planning moves forward, stakeholders have indicated that community engagement will be central to design and implementation. Training of local healthcare workers, establishment of referral networks with larger hospitals, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation frameworks are among the key components being developed to ensure the project’s long‑term success.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Faith Kipyegon’s off‑track contributions and reflects a broader movement of athletes using their platforms and partnerships to drive meaningful social impact. More details on timelines, funding allocations, and construction phases are expected to be released as the project advances.
