Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya’s largest referral and teaching hospital, has received a significant infrastructure and equipment boost from the M-Pesa Foundation. At a total cost of KES 22.7 million, the Foundation renovated and equipped an ante and postnatal ward, further advancing its commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the country.
Transformative Renovations and Upgrades
The renovation of the ward, costing KES 13 million, included:
- Installation of new ceilings and flooring.
- Construction of modern staff changing rooms and utility areas.
- Upgraded patient ablution facilities and a pantry.
- Installation of new lighting fixtures to improve visibility and comfort for patients and staff.
Additionally, KES 9.8 million was invested in state-of-the-art medical equipment and furniture, including:
- An ultrasound machine for accurate prenatal diagnostics.
- Monitors and other critical medical devices to support maternal and infant care.
- Ward beds, baby cots, and an examination couch to improve patient comfort and care delivery.
This upgrade is expected to significantly improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and newborns receiving care at KNH.
A Commitment to Maternal and Child Health
Speaking during the handover, Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s unwavering focus on health, particularly maternal and infant care:
“As we celebrate 24 years as Safaricom, health is one of the key sectors we have heavily invested in through our Foundations. M-Pesa Foundation has been instrumental in upgrading hospitals in all 47 counties, contributing to reducing maternal and infant mortality to near zero. Our intervention here today epitomizes our commitment to improving health outcomes at one of Kenya’s premier facilities.”
A History of Partnership with Kenyatta National Hospital
The M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations have been long-standing partners of KNH, consistently supporting its efforts to deliver quality healthcare. Key milestones include:
2014:
- Safaricom Foundation invested KES 50 million in a newborn unit at KNH, creating a specialized space to care for premature and ill newborns.
2019 and 2022:
- M-Pesa Foundation organized fistula camps, where over 100 women received free treatment, restoring their health and dignity.
2021:
- KNH’s Nyeri branch in Othaya received an upgraded maternity and newborn unit, extending high-quality maternal care services to Nyeri County.
2023:
- In July, the Foundation allocated KES 6.6 million for the renovation of KNH’s Disaster Response Centre.
- KES 3 million was used to provide care packages and medical devices, further strengthening the hospital’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
Through these investments, the Foundations have demonstrated a holistic approach to addressing Kenya’s healthcare challenges.
Tackling Maternal and Infant Mortality
The ante and postnatal ward upgrade at KNH aligns with the Foundation’s broader goal of reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Kenya still faces significant challenges in achieving optimal maternal health outcomes, with maternal mortality standing at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births (according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022).
Upgrades such as those implemented at KNH provide critical support to healthcare professionals in delivering life-saving interventions. By equipping hospitals with advanced tools and modern facilities, M-Pesa Foundation is directly contributing to safer childbirth and improved postnatal care.
The Usamaria Initiative: Supporting Vulnerable Patients
In addition to infrastructure investments, the M-Pesa Foundation has championed innovative programs like the Usamaria Initiative, which offsets medical bills for financially vulnerable patients. The initiative is a lifeline for families unable to afford treatment, ensuring that no patient is left behind due to economic challenges.
Broadening the Impact Across Kenya
The M-Pesa Foundation’s healthcare initiatives extend beyond KNH, with a focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure nationwide. Examples include:
- Hospital Upgrades in All 47 Counties: Renovations, equipment donations, and resource allocation have enhanced healthcare delivery across the country.
- Specialized Camps: Hosting medical camps to address specific conditions like fistula and providing essential surgeries free of charge.
- Disaster Response Enhancements: Supporting hospitals to respond more effectively to emergencies and crises.
These efforts align with Safaricom’s overarching mission to leverage technology and resources to transform communities.
Celebrating 24 Years of Transformative Impact
As Safaricom marks its 24th anniversary, the Foundation’s health-focused initiatives are a testament to its commitment to Kenya’s socio-economic development. From its early days of funding small-scale projects to leading large-scale healthcare interventions, the Foundation has made a lasting impact on countless lives.
Through sustained partnerships with key institutions like KNH, the M-Pesa Foundation continues to demonstrate how corporate social responsibility can drive meaningful change.
With a strong legacy of healthcare support, the M-Pesa Foundation is poised to continue its impactful work. Future projects are expected to deepen its focus on:
- Enhancing maternal and child health services.
- Expanding disaster preparedness capabilities.
- Leveraging technology to improve healthcare accessibility.
As Kenya progresses toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), initiatives like those led by the M-Pesa Foundation will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision.
