Nairobi County has released new health data showing that prematurity was responsible for 487 out of 1,187 newborn deaths recorded in 2026. This accounts for 41% of all newborn deaths in the county. The data was disclosed on World Prematurity Day 2026 during a commemoration held at Riruta Level 4 Hospital. County officials outlined a range of measures being rolled out to improve survival outcomes for premature babies across the capital.
County health officials marked World Prematurity Day 2026 at Riruta Hospital, where deliveries have surged from 4 to 180 monthly since early 2025. The facility has introduced obstetric ultrasound services, a fully stocked pharmacy, a modern laboratory, and an expanded maternity space to support the growing caseload. Hospital CEO Alice Ndwiga credited the growth to increased trust in the facility among expectant mothers.
Nairobi county officials said they are expanding newborn care infrastructure across several facilities. A 100-bed paediatric wing has been opened at Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital. Pumwani Maternity Hospital is in the process of operationalising a Newborn Intensive Care Unit, while four additional maternity theatres and newborn units are nearing completion at health facilities in Westlands, Makadara, Bahati, and Dandora II.
New maternity facilities have also been established at Ruai and Githurai 44 to widen access to maternal care. County Executive Committee Member for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Suzanne Silantoi said investment in specialised care must extend beyond the moment a premature baby survives birth. She emphasised that continued care, monitoring, and support are crucial for these children to survive, develop, and thrive.
The county is reinforcing follow-up systems through Community Health Promoters, digital health records, and specialised clinics designed to monitor vulnerable mothers and newborns after discharge. Additional interventions include Kangaroo Mother Care, breastfeeding support, infection prevention protocols, and a Human Milk Bank at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. The county's toll-free Emergency Operations Centre line, 1508, supports coordination and referrals for maternal and child health emergencies.
Silantoi appealed to families, healthcare workers, and development partners to maintain support for premature babies well after they leave hospital. She said every small baby deserves a fighting chance and every life matters. Every future is worth protecting, she added. The county's efforts aim to reduce newborn mortality rates and improve the overall health and wellbeing of premature babies.
Meanwhile, Tessie Mudavadi called for better newborn care on World Prematurity Day in Nyeri County, where the Okoa Malaika programme marked three years of distributing incubators to public hospitals. A chief who attended the event said his premature baby survived because of an incubator at the same hospital, highlighting the importance of such equipment in saving lives.
Key points
- Nairobi County reports 487 newborn deaths due to prematurity out of 1,187 total deaths in 2026.
- County officials expand newborn care infrastructure across several facilities, including a planned NICU at Pumwani Maternity Hospital.
- The county reinforces follow-up systems through Community Health Promoters, digital health records, and specialised clinics to monitor vulnerable mothers and newborns after discharge.
