Migori County Governor Dr Ochillo Ayacko has officially launched the construction of the Kehancha Mother and Child Complex at Kehancha Sub-County Hospital, a major investment aimed at improving maternal, newborn, and child health services in the Kuria region.
Dr Ayacko, while commissioning the construction,described the complex as a critical step in ensuring that no woman dies while giving birth due to lack of access to quality healthcare.“Today marks a major step forward for mothers and children in our region,” Governor Ayacko said.
Lifesaving Services Closer to Communities
Kehancha Sub-County Hospital currently serves Kuria East, Kuria West, and neighbouring cross-border communities, where many expectant mothers have historically travelled long distances to access delivery and emergency obstetric services.
Governor Ayacko noted that the new complex would significantly reduce these journeys by bringing specialised maternal and child healthcare closer to families who need it most.
“This project responds directly to the challenges mothers in Kuria have faced for years. Kehancha is now being positioned as the main maternal and child health referral centre for the region,” he said.
Modern, Integrated Care Facility
Upon completion, the Kehancha Mother and Child Complex will be equipped with a modern maternity ward and safe delivery rooms, a fully equipped operating theatre for caesarean sections and obstetric emergencies, and a dedicated newborn care unit for premature and sick infants.
The facility also will integrate family planning, child immunisation, and nutrition counselling services under one roof, allowing mothers and children to receive comprehensive care in a single location.
Countywide Health Sector Gains
The launch comes amid broader improvements in Migori County’s health sector. Governor Ayacko highlighted the expansion of the county health workforce to over 1,200 staff, upgrades to maternity services in Kehancha, Macalder, Rongo, and Muhuru hospitals, and improved availability of essential medicines and medical equipment.
He added that the county has also rolled out digital patient records across its hospitals, with all facilities now set up and 66 per cent already fully utilising the system.
In addition, more than 478,000 residents of Migori have been registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), improving access to affordable healthcare
.Strong Public–Private Partnership
The project is being implemented through a strategic partnership between the Migori County Government and the M-PESA Foundation.
The foundation contributed KES 50 million towards construction, while the county government invested KES 30 million in equipment and furnishing, alongside continued support for staffing, medical supplies, and commodities.
Governor Ayacko acknowledged the foundation’s long-standing support to maternal and child health in the county, citing previous initiatives such as fistula treatment camps at Migori County Referral Hospital that restored dignity to over 340 women.
He also noted that the M-PESA Foundation supported the construction of the Awendo Mother and Child Complex and has committed to building a similar facility in Nyamaraga, further expanding access to specialised maternal healthcare.
Commitment to Kuria Mothers
Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Kuria, the governor said the Kehancha complex would be fully completed, equipped, and staffed to ensure quality services from day one.
“These are real actions, not promises,” he said. “Mothers will no longer be forced to travel far for safe delivery, and Kehancha Hospital will be strengthened as a key referral centre for maternal and child health.”
The facility will play a vital role in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality which has been prevalent in the region for over decades.
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