In a determined push to improve maternal and child health services in Kenya, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, recently held high-level discussions with Alex Kilowua, the Kajiado County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health, and representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The engagement focused on charting the path forward for the Mamtoto Project, a key maternal and child health initiative planned for implementation in Kitengela, a rapidly growing urban center in Kajiado County. The meeting underscored the shared commitment among national and county governments, as well as international development partners, to strengthen healthcare delivery systems for vulnerable populations.
The Mamtoto Project, supported by KOICA, is set to become a transformative force in the region’s healthcare landscape, with a focus on ensuring that mothers and young children receive timely, high-quality, and affordable health services. During the discussions, PS Kimtai highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving health sector reforms that are not only impactful but also sustainable in the long term. He emphasized that partnerships between various levels of government and international agencies are essential for tackling systemic challenges in maternal healthcare, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas like Kitengela, where healthcare needs continue to evolve.
“This project is a significant step towards enhancing healthcare for mothers and children in Kitengela. Collaboration between national and county governments, along with development partners, is key to achieving sustainable healthcare solutions,” PS Kimtai noted during the engagement. His remarks reflect the Ministry of Health’s broader agenda, which prioritizes maternal and child health as a cornerstone of public health policy. The Mamtoto Project is expected to address critical gaps in service provision, such as limited access to skilled birth attendants, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and insufficient community health outreach.
The KOICA delegation reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kenya in achieving its health-related development goals. KOICA has been instrumental in facilitating healthcare projects across several countries, and its involvement in Kitengela marks another step in its ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare outcomes in Africa. The agency’s support includes not only financial investment but also technical expertise and capacity-building, which are essential for the successful execution of the project.
For Kajiado County, the project is timely and aligns with local government priorities to expand healthcare access, particularly in underserved urban and peri-urban areas. CEC Alex Kilowua expressed optimism that the initiative would bring tangible benefits to the residents of Kitengela, noting that the county government is fully committed to ensuring smooth implementation and long-term sustainability. He highlighted the county’s readiness to provide the necessary support, including infrastructure development, staffing, and community mobilization.
As Kenya continues to strive toward achieving universal health coverage, initiatives like the Mamtoto Project stand out as vital drivers of progress. The collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Kajiado County, and KOICA is poised to make a lasting impact on maternal and child health outcomes in Kitengela, setting a benchmark for similar partnerships across the country. With firm commitments from all involved parties, the project promises to deliver not just improved healthcare facilities but also renewed hope for countless mothers and children in the region.
