MPs warn of rising maternal deaths as counties fail on health

National Assembly Health Committee member James Nyikal. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Members of Parliament have raised alarm over the state of Kenya’s devolved health system, warning that maternal deaths are rising due to drug shortages, negligence, collapsing infrastructure and misplaced county priorities.

National Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Dr James Nyikal said Kenya must urgently strengthen health laws to save mothers and newborns, describing current maternal mortality rates as “a national embarrassment that demands urgent action.”