The construction of two new maternity theatres in Trans Nzoia County was officially launched today, aiming to improve maternal healthcare access for residents.
The groundbreaking ceremonies for the theatres, located at Matunda and Saboti sub-county hospitals, were officiated by Dr. Judith Simiyu, the County Chief Officer for Health.
“For a long time, these two facilities have relied on services from the Kitale County Referral Hospital,” Dr. Simiyu said during the ceremony. “The construction of these maternity theatres will be a milestone for residents of the two sub-counties.”
Previously, expectant mothers requiring caesarean sections had to travel long distances to Kitale town for care. The new theatres are expected to significantly reduce these burdens.
“This is going to boost maternal care in the two hospitals by ensuring that mothers who need caesarean sections will no longer need to travel long distances to Kitale town to get the services, hence improving the offering of primary healthcare,” Dr. Simiyu explained.
The project, valued at 10 million Kenyan shillings each (approximately $89,000 USD), is expected to be completed within two months.
“The Chief Officer reiterated Governor George Natembeya’s efforts to fulfil his campaign promises to the residents of these areas, ensuring that medical services are brought closer to the people,” the statement said.
Wamboka, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Roads and Public Works, emphasized the importance of adhering to construction timelines and quality standards.
“The CEC Wamboka called on the contractor to ensure that they follow the design by the architects so as to ensure they deliver quality work and also observe the project timelines for the people of Trans Nzoia to get health services,” the statement added.
The project is also expected to create job opportunities for local youth and women.
“The CEC Wamboka said through the construction of such projects at the grassroots level, Governor George Natembeya also aims at boosting the economy of the youth and women in the area, calling on the residents to ensure that they employ the residents of the area to work on the project,” the statement said.
Janerose Mutama, CEC Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Developments, highlighted the project’s significance for maternal and child healthcare.
“The construction of the maternity theatres in the two hospitals is going to be a game-changer pertaining to mother and childcare,” Mutama said. “His Excellency Governor George Natembeya is focused on ensuring that the mothers of this county get quality healthcare services closer to them.”
The new theatres are expected to serve a large population in both Matunda and Saboti sub-counties.
“The construction of the maternity theatres is going to reduce both maternal and child healthcare service gaps,” said Trans Nzoia County Public Health officer, Norbert Musundi. “It is also going to serve more than 10 spokes in Matunda and 13 spokes in Saboti Sub County with a large population cover.”
Local hospital officials and county administrators also attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
