The County Government of Uasin Gishu has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic and investment plan for Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital, setting the stage for expanded specialised maternal and newborn care, improved clinical services and a stronger referral network.

The 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, launched by Governor Dr Jonathan Bii Chelilim during the commemoration of World Contraception Day, outlines a roadmap for transforming the Level Four specialised maternity facility into a stronger pillar of maternal and reproductive healthcare in the county.

Governor Bii said the hospital plays a critical role in expanding access to specialised maternal and newborn services, noting that its development is central to the county’s broader commitment to improving healthcare delivery.

“It is within this broader responsibility that Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital has an important role to play. As a Level Four specialised maternity facility, it expands access to maternal and newborn services and strengthens our referral network,” said Governor Bii.

He noted that the strategic and investment plan provides a clear framework for the hospital’s development over the next five years, prioritising quality clinical care, improved maternal and newborn outcomes, emergency preparedness, stronger referral systems, respectful maternity care, infrastructure development and critical care services.

The Governor said the plan requires an estimated KSh 1.075 billion investment, calling for prudent financial management, strong partnerships and firm accountability to ensure its successful implementation.

He emphasised that the realisation of the plan would depend on effective resource mobilisation and a shared commitment to delivering quality, accessible and dignified healthcare to mothers and newborns.

The launch coincided with the commemoration of World Contraception Day, held under the theme “A Choice for All: Agency, Intention and Voluntary Choice,” highlighting the importance of informed decision-making and access to family planning services.

Governor Bii revealed that more than 53,000 women accessed family planning services across Uasin Gishu County between January and June 2026, underscoring the continued demand for reproductive health services.

He called for strengthened postpartum family planning programmes and targeted interventions to reach adolescents, young people and underserved communities, noting the importance of ensuring that every individual can make informed and voluntary reproductive health choices.

Health Services County Executive Committee Member Janet Kurgat described the strategic and investment plan as a significant milestone, noting that it is the first five-year strategic plan to be launched for a health facility in the county.

Kurgat said the plan would provide clear direction for the hospital’s growth, service delivery and investment priorities, expressing confidence that, under Governor Bii’s leadership, the outlined objectives could be achieved ahead of the stipulated timeline.

She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare through improved infrastructure, quality services and strategic investments that respond to the needs of mothers and families.

County Assembly Deputy Speaker Hon. Sarah Malel pledged the Assembly’s support towards the implementation of the plan, noting that resources would be considered through the budgeting process to facilitate its realisation.

Malel said the investment would help improve service delivery and ensure residents benefit from enhanced maternal and newborn healthcare services.

The launch marks a significant step in aligning long-term investment with the county’s maternal health priorities, with the strategic plan expected to guide the hospital’s development, strengthen service delivery and improve the experiences and outcomes of mothers and newborns.

Also present were County Executive Committee Member for Education Eng. Lucy Ngendo, Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health, Dr Billy Lubanga, and Members of the County Assembly, including Hon. Gilbert Lagat of Kiplombe, among other leaders and stakeholders.