Kiambu County has moved to dismiss recent reports claiming a spike in newborn deaths at its hospitals, describing the information as “false” and “sensationalised.” The County Health Department said the claims are exaggerated, largely linked to the current doctors’ strike.
“These claims are false and aimed at creating a crisis that is nonexistent in the health sector in Kiambu,” the county stated on Friday.
Officials stressed that all county health facilities continue to provide uninterrupted services. Where doctors have chosen to strike, replacement staff were immediately brought in to maintain care. “Replacement staff were immediately hired to ensure continuity of care,” the statement said.
The county challenged assertions that the strike has contributed to higher neonatal deaths. “Suggesting that neonatal deaths have increased as a result of the industrial action is both misleading and untrue,” it added.
Maina Mbuthia, County Executive Committee Member in charge of Health, highlighted that independent organisations, including Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST), which monitor neonatal outcomes, have not reported any increase in deaths. Hospitals cited in the controversial reports also do not have records to back the claims.
“While even one newborn death is one too many, the figures being circulated are exaggerated in an attempt to portray Kiambu’s healthcare as being in crisis. Nothing could be further from the truth,” the county emphasized.
Kiambu County boasts strong health performance, with an average of eight neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, well below the national average of 17 and the Sustainable Development Goals target of 12. Kiambu Level V Hospital was recently recognised at the United Nations General Assembly for recording zero maternal deaths from January to July this year.
The county attributed its success to the continuous oversight by qualified consultants, specialist neonatal nurses, and collaboration with NEST to enhance newborn care.
Although no county in Kenya meets the WHO-recommended doctor-to-population ratio, Kiambu has the second-highest number of doctors after Nairobi. Recruitment is ongoing, and maternity services remain fully operational.
The statement also criticised the Ministry of Health over the sudden recall of interns.
“We find it odd that the Ministry chose to withdraw the interns in haste, without first conducting the requisite situation assessment of the internship centre, which is the standard procedure,” it said.
Residents were urged to remain calm. “There is no crisis in our hospitals as depicted by the false narrative in the media. If indeed 136 newborn deaths had occurred in such a short period, it would have triggered a public outcry from our people. Where is the evidence? Making claims is easy, but proof is what matters,” the county concluded.