Nairobi County has emerged as the region with the highest number of maternal deaths linked to postpartum haemorrhage in Kenya, according to the latest national health data.
Between January 2024 and October 2025, at least 98 mothers in the capital lost their lives during or shortly after childbirth due to excessive bleeding, underscoring the persistent dangers women continue to face while giving birth.
Closely following Nairobi are Nakuru County, which recorded 97 deaths, and Garissa County with 84 fatalities over the same period. The figures paint a troubling picture of maternal healthcare across the country, revealing that both urban and rural counties are grappling with significant challenges in preventing avoidable deaths among new mothers.
In total, more than 1,500 maternal deaths attributed to postpartum haemorrhage were reported in 25 of Kenya’s 47 counties within the 22 months. This is despite ongoing interventions by county governments, the national Ministry of Health, and various health organizations aimed at improving maternal health services, expanding access to skilled birth attendants, and strengthening emergency response systems.
Health experts point to several underlying causes driving the crisis. Chief among them are shortages of skilled healthcare workers, particularly in under-resourced and remote areas; delayed referrals when complications arise; and the continued prevalence of home deliveries conducted without trained medical personnel.
Postpartum haemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, can become fatal within a short time if not promptly identified and managed, making access to timely, skilled care crucial.
Professor Anne Kihara, President of the World Federation of Maternal and Newborn Health, stressed the urgency of ensuring that expectant mothers deliver in health facilities equipped to handle complications. She noted that accurate and timely assessment of blood loss during labour is essential in preventing deaths.
“Identifying how much blood a woman has lost during labor is critical. Many women still deliver at home, and we want to advocate that at least 90 per cent of women give birth in health facilities where they can receive timely and appropriate care,” Prof. Kihara said. She added that strengthening community awareness and investing in emergency obstetric care could significantly reduce fatalities linked to excessive bleeding.
Beyond the statistics lie devastating personal stories that reflect the human cost of the crisis. The death of a mother often leaves families emotionally shattered and financially strained. In many cases, caregiving responsibilities shift to grandparents or extended family members who may already be struggling to make ends meet.
One such case is that of Lilian Mwikali from Kyusyani village in Kibwezi, Makueni County. Mwikali died shortly after delivering twins due to severe postpartum bleeding. Her passing left her husband to navigate the immense responsibility of raising two newborns alone while coping with the grief of losing his partner. For the family, what should have been a moment of joy turned into a tragedy that altered their lives forever.
Community Health Promoter Esther Nzioka observed that in many rural communities, cultural preferences and logistical challenges still lead women to opt for home births. However, she warned that this practice significantly increases the risk of life-threatening complications.
Ironically, even some health facilities meant to provide safe delivery services report up to four maternal deaths per month from postpartum haemorrhage, highlighting systemic weaknesses in emergency preparedness, staffing, and equipment availability.
County healthcare officials acknowledge that postpartum haemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal mortality but maintain that progress has been made. They cite expanded maternity wards, increased training of healthcare workers, improved blood transfusion services, and public awareness campaigns as part of ongoing efforts that have contributed to a gradual reduction in overall maternal deaths in some regions.
However, Nairobi’s high figures have sparked renewed concern about healthcare disparities within urban settings. The capital’s densely populated informal settlements often face overcrowded facilities, understaffed hospitals, and delayed emergency responses.
Rapid urbanization has placed immense pressure on public health infrastructure, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for quality maternal care.
The troubling data also comes in the wake of a directive from President William Ruto, who recently instructed hospitals to submit detailed records of maternal and child deaths occurring within their facilities to the Digital Health Authority (DHA).
The move aims to improve accountability, enhance data accuracy, and strengthen monitoring systems to better inform policy decisions and targeted interventions.
As Kenya continues to push toward reducing maternal mortality in line with global health targets, the latest figures serve as a stark reminder that much work remains. Ensuring that every woman has access to skilled care before, during, and after childbirth remains central to preventing avoidable deaths and safeguarding the health and well-being of families across the country.