Health CS order regulators to track maternal deaths every three months

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has raised concerns over rising maternal deaths in the country and warned health regulators to take personal responsibility in identifying and addressing weaknesses in maternal healthcare services.

During a consultative meeting in Naivasha with the Council of Governors (COG) on Thursday, Duale issued a directive instructing all regulatory bodies under the Ministry of Health to prepare detailed reports on maternal mortality rates every three months.

He emphasized that county governments and health officials must work together to identify and resolve health system failures that lead to preventable deaths.

"In three months, if we have a maternal mortality in a faculty, let’s say level five, of 10–15 mothers, we must be concerned, and so the regulatory bodies must go and sit with the governors and inform them of where the problem is so that the governors can now also sit down with other heads of county health and the facilities and agree and tell us where the problem is," Duale said.

The CS underlined the importance of constant engagement between health regulators and county leadership to ensure accountability and reduce maternal deaths.

He said the reports would be used to uncover patterns, guide policy, and support interventions that will save lives.

Duale pointed out that such efforts are meant to not only address maternal deaths but also help position Kenya as a regional leader in maternal and child healthcare.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who also chairs the health committee of the COG, supported the directive and noted that maternal deaths in some counties are linked to negligence by medical staff.

He said his own county had taken action against health workers following a recent tragedy.

"Recently, we lost a mother in my county, and it was because there was a breakdown of communication between the lab and the theatre," he said.

"There was a need for emergency blood for the mother, which the lab said could not be matched within the time that was required, and by the time the blood was available, the mother had passed."

Njuki said those responsible for the incident had been suspended and stressed that no mother should lose her life due to mistakes that can be avoided with proper coordination and responsibility.

"The officials who were involved in the case are now under suspension because it is very wrong that somebody who walked in to walk out with life is no longer there, and the baby does not have a mother, and it’s something that could have been avoided," he added.

The health committee chair noted that counties must take such cases seriously and be proactive in monitoring healthcare delivery.

Duale’s remarks on maternal health came just a day after he issued a separate instruction to the Council of Clinical Officers (COC), directing it to reinspect all licensed health facilities in the country.

He said the council must uphold transparency and integrity in approving and regulating clinical officers and the institutions where they are trained.

"Do not license any clinical officer trained in an institution that has not been duly merited, inspected, and audited by the Council," said the CS.

He said proper licensing and oversight are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that all patients, including mothers, receive quality care from qualified personnel.

The CS said the ministry is committed to enforcing accountability and tightening regulatory systems to guarantee the safety and well-being of Kenyans.

He said maternal health must remain a top priority, and no life should be lost due to poor management, lack of coordination, or weak regulation.