Nyandarua County has been ranked as the best-performing county in reducing maternal deaths across Kenya, according to the latest Ministry of Health Facility Maternal Mortality Report covering January to June 2025.
The report shows that Nyandarua recorded the lowest facility maternal mortality ratio in all its 25 wards, marking a significant improvement in maternal health outcomes.
County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Juliana Tisnanga, credited the achievement to a combination of targeted interventions and consistent leadership under Governor Moses Badilisha Kiarie.
She said the county’s success is rooted in strict adherence to the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) guidelines, which require that every maternal death be reviewed, lessons documented and corrective actions implemented.
“This approach has helped us identify gaps, take swift action and prevent avoidable deaths,” she noted.
A major contributor to the progress has been the empowerment of Community Health Promoters who link expectant mothers to health facilities, encourage early antenatal visits and promote skilled deliveries.
The county’s Safe Birth Initiative, known as BadiCare, has also helped push skilled delivery coverage to an impressive 98 per cent.
Governor Badilisha’s administration has prioritised maternal health by expanding health infrastructure, strengthening referral systems and increasing investment in training for healthcare workers.
The result has been a steady decline in maternal mortality and improved confidence among women seeking care in public facilities.
Hon. Tisnanga praised frontline health workers for their dedication and called for continued support to sustain the gains.
“This achievement underscores Nyandarua’s unwavering commitment to ending preventable maternal deaths and ensuring every mother has access to safe, quality healthcare during childbirth,” she said.
Health officials say the county’s success offers a model for other regions aiming to achieve the national goal of zero preventable maternal deaths.
