Athletics middle-distance icon Faith Kipyegon has committed Ksh30 million ($232,400) to the construction of a modern maternity ward at Keringet Dispensary in Kuresoi South Sub-County, Nakuru County, an investment that is expected to improve maternal and new-born healthcare in the area.

The three-time Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion over 1,500 metres and 5,000 metres said the facility will address high rates of maternal and neo-natal complications caused by limited access to health services.

The maternity wing, dubbed the Dare to Dream Maternity Ward, is sponsored jointly with global sportswear firm Nike.

Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony at Keringet Dispensary, Kipyegon said expectant women in the area are forced to travel up to 35 kilometres to access maternity services, which exposes them and the new-borns to serious health risks.

“As a young girl growing up in Keringet, I witnessed many expectant women walking long distances with hope as they carried life. Unfortunately, some would return home devastated after losing their new-borns. This experience deeply touched my heart and pushed me to dream big,” Kipyegon said.

She noted that the decision to invest in maternal healthcare was driven by compassion and a desire to give back to the community that nurtured her to athletics success.

“I am not doing this because I have enough. I am moved whenever I see young mothers yearning for better healthcare services. Women carry life and they deserve the best facilities to ensure dignity, safety and a brighter future for their children,” she explained.

The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in six months. Upon completion, the initial phase will include a 12-bed maternity wing equipped to offer safe delivery services and post-natal care.

Kipyegon expressed gratitude to Nike for supporting the initiative, saying the partnership had enabled her to turn a long-held dream into reality. She noted that investing in healthcare offers direct and lasting impact to families and the wider community.

The ground-breaking ceremony was marked by a children’s cross-country event that attracted more than 500 young athletes from the region, underlining Kipyegon’s commitment to nurturing both health and sporting talent.

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who graced the occasion, praised Kipyegon for using her success to uplift her community.

“Champions are not defined by what they do for themselves, but by what they offer to others and how they touch lives. This gesture by Faith is truly iconic,” Kipchoge said. H said good health is the foundation of prosperity.

Nike’s Head of Global Running Tanya Hvidak said dignifying women during maternity gives communities hope and confidence in a better future. She noted that access to quality maternal healthcare strengthens families and contributes to long-term social development.

The event was attended by several elite athletes, including javelin thrower Julius Yego and long-distance runner Peris Chepchirchir.

The new maternity ward is expected to transform maternal healthcare services in Keringet and neighbouring areas, reducing preventable deaths and offering expectant mothers safe, accessible and dignified care closer to home.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Absalom Namwalo