Kenya Secures $80 Million to Boost Maternal and Newborn Health

Kenya has signed a five‑year Cooperation Framework with the Beginnings Fund, unlocking US$80 million (Sh10.4 billion) to strengthen maternal and newborn health services in 21 high‑burden counties. The funding will support roughly 200 high‑volume health facilities and is projected to benefit about 5.9 million women and newborns by 2030, aiming to avert more than 46,000 deaths by 2031.

The programme will expand the health workforce, procure essential medicines and technologies, improve referral networks, and upgrade health‑information systems. It aligns with Kenya’s Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan, the Maternal and Newborn Health Rapid Results Initiative, and the Universal Health Coverage agenda. Partners include the Gates Foundation, the United Arab Emirates, and other global donors. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale urged rapid implementation, saying delays “represent mothers and newborns whose lives remain at unnecessary risk.” Beginnings Fund CEO Alice Kang'ethe highlighted the importance of government‑led action and coordinated investment.