Pumwani records 16 births at New Year

By Judy Ogutu and Maureen Mudi

Pumwani Maternity Hospital registered a record 16 births during the New Year.

The facility’s Senior Nursing Officer, Margaret Manyonje, said Thursday’s deliveries were more than the previous years.

Esther Wangeci was born at 12.12am to Ms Mercy Muthoni. Two minutes later, Ms Zipporah Nyokabi got a boy, John Mwangi.

"I expected to get my baby during the New Year and I thank God," said Muthoni.

Nyokabi, a mother of two, told The Standard that her baby arrived four days earlier than expected.

At Kenyatta National Hospital, five babies were delivered, with the first one being born at 12.50am.

Mrs Mary Njenga, the mother, named him Lewis Boro, saying it was a miracle she gave birth to him without going through surgery.

"I expected him on December 24, last year, but God gave him to me in the New Year," she said.

Another boy, Brian Omondi, was born at 5am at KNH and the mother, Ms Quinter Atieno, told The Standard she was excited.

"I have been here for three days now and I am happy God has helped me get him today."

In Mombasa, five babies were born at Coast Provincial General Hospital. The hospital’s chief administrator, Jennifer Othigo, said the babies were all born after midnight.

"The children were delivered safely and are in good health," Ms Othigo said.