Where midwives thrive in spite of maternity fee waiver

Rukia Rajab Odinga, 85, examines Priscilla Mukoya, 17, who is expectant, at Emasanga village in Mumias. PHOTO: COURTESY

By FRANCIS ONTOMWA

Mumias, Kenya: Helena Oteo, 23, drags her swollen dusty feet as she weaves her way towards the home of Mama Rukia Odinga. She has covered almost three kilometres, but she is not ready to give up, the back pain notwithstanding. Hellena is in her fourth month of pregnancy.