The Nyalore administration, led by Governor James Orengo, has achieved remarkable declines in maternal mortality rates, according to the latest findings from Kenya's Ministry of Health across 47 county governments.
Siaya ranked 41st, among the least affected counties while Nyandarua recorded the lowest rates overall with Garissa recording the highest rates.
Mombasa, Isiolo, and Lamu also ranked among the highest, at positions 2, 3, and 4, respectively, with elevated indices.
Other counties that performed strongly include Kiambu, West Pokot, Nandi, Vihiga, and Marsabit, ranked 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46, respectively, followed by Nyandarua with the lowest rates.
County governments with the lowest rankings have implemented several interventions that authorities have concluded have positively impacted newborn lives at health facilities. This is the latest report released by the Ministry of Health, covering January to June 2025.
The Nyalore administration has made significant gains in healthcare infrastructure by establishing additional health facilities, acquiring modern equipment, and hiring health personnel—key factors in reducing maternal mortality rates over the past two years. The administration has constructed new healthcare facilities and upgraded several health centers to level-three hospitals.
Additionally, referral hospitals in Siaya and Bondo have seen substantial improvements, with the administration allocating extra budgetary provisions and enhancing facilities to boost service delivery and personnel capacity, thereby reducing mortality rates.The Siaya Referral Hospital has been upgraded with modern healthcare equipment, resulting in state-of-the-art facility improvements across all sub-counties. Interventions at Siaya include modern maternity theaters and increased bed capacity. In Bondo, additional medical supplies have enhanced the Bondo Referral Hospital, leading to overall healthcare improvements.
Ugenya Sub-County has seen Ukwala equipped with a modern maternity theater and improved facilities to promote maternal and child support, contributing to reduced mortality rates. Other upgraded facilities include Tegemeo Hospital in Ugunja, where the county government has installed an elaborate setup with modern treatment units and a maternity wing, ensuring reduced cases of maternal and child complications and enabling better support services.
Nyang'u Health Centre in Ugenya has also been elevated, featuring an expanded maternity theater and additional bed capacity, in collaboration with development partners such as the Safaricom Foundation last year. The project was presided over by Governor Orengo and Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, among others.The Orengo-led administration has also constructed a state-of-the-art health center in Boro, Alego Usonga, to improve maternal delivery services. Once completed, it will spur healthcare access in surrounding areas, including Usonga, Nyadorera, and nearby regions.
Last year, the county government flagged off ambulances to enhance mobility and rescue services at Ukwala Sub-County Hospital in Ugenya and Madiany Sub-County Hospital in Rarieda.Early this year, Governor Orengo, in partnership with Amref Kenya and the non-governmental organization CHS, donated medical relief equipment—including mobility bicycles—to all Community Health Promoters (commonly known as Nyamrerwa) for easier access to expectant mothers at Siaya Sub-County hospitals.
These interventions have strengthened healthcare infrastructure under the Nyalore administration, not only reducing mortality and preventing infant losses during birth but also improving overall healthcare access and growth. Community promoters can now reach affected patients promptly without hindrances.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation Dr. Martin K'Onyango attributed this tremendous progress to the rapid transformations and strategic plans implemented by the administration.Access to affordable and universal healthcare remains a key agenda for Governor Orengo. The sector's focus includes reducing mortality rates, improving infrastructure and personnel, and enhancing other services.
Siaya's improved ranking of 41st in the Ministry of Health's latest survey—among the lowest in maternal mortality—is a morale booster for the healthcare sector. It reflects substantial gains and significant financial allocations by the county government, in collaboration with partners, as well as recent national government funding of Ksh 500 million for constructing the modern Siaya County Referral Hospital.