Joy after second set of triplets delivered safely

Mercy Meto, 35, a peasant farmer and mother of six, gave birth to three boys. [Nikko Tanui, Standard]

Joy and ululation filled the air at Fort Ternan Sub-County Hospital in Kipkelion West Constituency after a second set of triplets were born at the health facility this year.

On Tuesday, Mercy Meto, 35, from Koisagat village, gave birth to three boys. The triplets, christened Shadrack Kipchumba, Mersherk Kipkemoi and Felix Kipkurui, tipped the scales at 2.7kg, 2.6kg, and 2.3kg, respectively.

Ms Meto, a peasant farmer and mother of six, said she was astonished at the unexpected trio. “When I first learned that I was expectant, it didn't cross my mind that I was carrying triplets. I had even picked only one name. After giving birth to triplets, doctors assisted me in picking the two other names for the babies,” she said.

Jessica Chepkurui Tonui, a nurse who played a pivotal role in the triplets' birth, said the situation took them by surprise because the antenatal booklet had indicated that the baby's mother was expecting twins.

“We had the first safe delivery, the second delivery was after eight minutes, and it was bridged deliberately. After an examination, we were surprised to note another pregnancy, which we also delivered safely,” Tonui said.

The community spirit shone brightly as County Executive Committee member for health Brenda Bii and nominated MCA Bavina Serem visited the hospital, bearing gifts for the new triplets and their mother.

Bii said they would ensure the hospital is fully equipped. “We recruiting more nurses and other healthcare providers across all cadres who will be posted across all the sub-county hospitals and dispensaries to fill in the personnel gaps,” she said.

Ms Serem further pledged the ward representatives' support to the health sector.

“For instance, Fort-Ternan Sub-County Hospital requires medical equipment such as ultrasound, and we are going to swiftly approve the budget for the health department in the supplementary and subsequent budgets,” she said.

Serem also called upon well-wishers to assist the triplets' family.