Githunguri MP Demands Action on Kiambu's Newborn Mortality

Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has strongly criticised Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi over what she describes as a failure to address a concerning increase in newborn deaths within Kiambu County hospitals. In a statement issued on her X page on Friday, October 3, 2025, Wamuchomba accused the governor of neglecting to take decisive action to curb the tragic trend.

“The excruciating pain of losing babies at birth in Kiambu County hospitals is now at its peak. The inability to sort out the hospital mess in Kiambu just confirms that we have an inept county chief. Governor Wamatangi seems to care less,” Wamuchomba stated.

Context of Healthcare Concerns in Kiambu

Wamuchomba's remarks come amidst ongoing scrutiny of Kiambu's healthcare sector. The county has faced challenges, including a prolonged doctors' strike that has reportedly impacted services. In October 2025, the Kiambu County Chief Officer for Health, Patrick Nyagah, dismissed reports of a complete paralysis of health services, asserting that hospitals were operational despite the strike. However, reports from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in early October 2025 alleged that 136 infants died in Kiambu due to the strike, a claim the county government disputes, stating 53 neonatal deaths were recorded at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital between May and August 2025.

Previous reports have also highlighted concerns. In February 2019, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) launched an investigation into the deaths of 60 babies at Kiambu Level Five Hospital in December 2018 and January 2019. At that time, the Kiambu County Health Executive, Mary Kamau, stated that the county's average neonatal mortality rate was 15 deaths per 1,000 live births, lower than the national average of 22 per 1,000 live births.

Policy and Budgetary Allocations for Health

Kiambu County has made significant budgetary allocations to its health department. For the 2024/2025 financial year, the county allocated KSh 7.7 billion to the Health Department from its KSh 23.5 billion budget, aiming to enhance public healthcare services. Governor Wamatangi has also initiated health projects valued at over KSh 1.5 billion, including the construction of 13 new Level Three hospitals and upgrades to existing facilities, with the goal of doubling the county's bed capacity from 1,608.

Despite these investments, the effectiveness of these initiatives in improving maternal and child health outcomes remains a point of contention. Organisations like the Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya (CHS) have partnered with Kiambu County to promote maternal, newborn, and child health, including scaling up Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services and training healthcare workers. Nutrition International has also been working with the county since 2016 to improve nutrition and health outcomes for women, adolescent girls, and young children.

Stakeholder Reactions and Calls for Accountability

The rising concerns have led to calls for greater accountability from various stakeholders. Beyond Wamuchomba's criticism, other Members of Parliament have urged the national government to intervene in Kiambu's healthcare crisis. Lobby groups have also reportedly given the Kiambu county government a seven-day ultimatum to address the issues, threatening to petition the national government for the county's dissolution if no action is taken.

Governor Wamatangi has previously dismissed criticism as politically motivated, particularly regarding the doctors' strike, stating that only a small number of doctors were involved and their salaries had been stopped. In May 2025, residents of Gatundu North demanded the sacking of doctors following the death of an 11-month-old baby, attributing it to delayed medical attention and negligence.

Evidence and Data

• Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba's statement on X: October 3, 2025.
• Kiambu County Health Chief Officer Patrick Nyagah's statement: October 3, 2025.
• KMPDU claims: 136 infant deaths due to strike.
• Kiambu County government data: 53 neonatal deaths at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital (May-August 2025).
• Kiambu County 2024/2025 Health Budget: KSh 7.7 billion out of KSh 23.5 billion total budget.
• Kiambu County health projects initiated by Governor Wamatangi: Over KSh 1.5 billion.
• Kiambu County average neonatal mortality rate (2019): 15 per 1,000 live births (compared to national average of 22).

Risks and Implications

The ongoing concerns about newborn deaths and the broader healthcare situation in Kiambu pose significant risks to public trust and health outcomes. A continued perception of inadequate healthcare services could erode confidence in the county government's ability to manage essential services. Politicisation of the health crisis may further hinder constructive dialogue and resolution, potentially leading to prolonged industrial action by healthcare workers and a decline in service quality. The long-term implications include a potential increase in infant mortality rates and a negative impact on the county's human development indicators.

Unknowns

The exact current neonatal mortality rate in Kiambu County and a detailed breakdown of the causes of the reported newborn deaths in 2025 remain unverified from the provided input. The specific measures Governor Wamatangi's administration plans to implement in direct response to Wamuchomba's recent criticism are also not yet clear.

What to Watch

Key developments to monitor include any official response from Governor Wamatangi to Wamuchomba's allegations, further data releases on newborn mortality rates from the Kiambu County Department of Health, and potential interventions from the national government or professional bodies. The progress of the KSh 1.5 billion health projects and their impact on service delivery will also be crucial to observe.