WHO Hands Over KSh 43M in Obstetric Beds and Cancer Gear to Kenya

Kenya's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation jointly handed over a major consignment of maternal health and women's cancer care equipment at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi on June 9, 2026. The donated equipment, valued at US$331,000 — equivalent to approximately KSh 43 million — will reach health facilities across 11 counties.

What Was Handed Over

The donation comprised 108 electric obstetric theatre beds, destined for distribution across 45 health facilities in 11 priority counties. In addition, the handover included cervical and breast cancer screening and diagnostic equipment earmarked for eight health facilities in Bungoma and Nyandarua counties.

The Sobering Statistics Behind the Donation

Africa accounts for approximately 70 percent of global maternal deaths. In Kenya specifically, an estimated 16 mothers and 90 newborns die every day. WHO officials used the occasion to underscore the urgency of the health challenge Kenya faces.

Building on Presidential Commitments

The WHO handover builds directly on momentum generated by President William Ruto's May 28, 2026 launch of the EWENE Acceleration Plan 2026–2028, under which the President pledged KES 7.5 billion toward maternal and newborn health.