Baitulmal Kenya has donated medical equipment and supported specialised training for health workers at Wajir County Referral Hospital to strengthen maternal and new-born care services.

The support, delivered in partnership with the Bill & Belinda Gates Foundation and Every Pregnancy, includes five delivery beds fitted with safety rails, five baby cots, an electric suction machine and a high-powered LED examination light.

The intervention targets gaps in emergency response and safe delivery at the county’s main referral facility.

Wajir, like the rest of northern and north-eastern Kenya, has one of highest fertility rates that translates to high birth rates in the country.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Baitulmal Kenya Communications Officer Issadin Hajji said the donation addressed critical gaps in maternal health care.

“These are essential items that the maternity unit needed most and they will enhance the capacity of medical staff to deliver services more effectively,” said Hajji.

He added that Baitulmal Kenya also conducted a five-day clinical training for nurses, focusing on emergency response and safe delivery practices to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

“Beyond equipment, strengthening the skills of health workers is key to improving care, especially in challenging environments,” he said, noting that Baitulmal has continued to support health, education and water projects in Wajir County.

Wajir County Medical Services representative, Hassan Abass, said the donation would enhance the county’s efforts to improve maternal and new-born health.

“The delivery beds, baby cots, suction machine and examination light are critical for our maternity and new-born units,” said Abass.

He noted that Wajir County has over 176 health facilities, many of which face equipment and staffing constraints.

“This support complements the county government’s ongoing investments and strengthens our capacity to provide safe delivery services,” he added.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Hamdi Buthul

Newly donated maternity beds and equipment at Wajir County Referral Hospital following a handover by Baitulmal Kenya, aimed at strengthening maternal and new-born health care services at the facility.