Confusion over notice to close vital maternity facility in Uasin Gishu
By Wycliffe Kipsang, July 1, 2025Confusion is looming at Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital in Uasin Gishu County following contradictory statements over the closure of the facility by senior officers at Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration.
A notice issued by the facility’s Board of Management on Sunday confirmed that all operations—including outpatient, inpatient and maternity services—have been suspended effective midnight on June 2025.
The board cited interference with the facility’s activities by senior county government officials.
“The interference has compromised the autonomy of our management team and endangered both staff operations and patient care,” said Board Chair Kevin Mulweye.
“We had no choice but to suspend services until clarity and proper protocols are restored.”
But in a quick rejoinder, Uasin Gishu County Promotive and Preventive Health Chief Officer Dr Paul Wangwe dismissed the notice issued by the Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital Board announcing the indefinite suspension of hospital operations.
According to Dr Wangwe, the board’s decision is null and void, stating that the hospital remains operational and patients are being attended to at the facility.
“The board has no power to shut down operations at a public health facility. The management of healthcare institutions falls under the jurisdiction of the County Government through the Ministry of Health. We are preparing to take legal action against those responsible,” said Dr Wangwe.
While the board claimed the decision was made to safeguard the hospital’s integrity and operational independence, Dr Wangwe was categorical that such decisions can only be made through formal government channels.
The conflicting statements have caused confusion among patients and staff.
Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital was launched last year as a regional maternal and neonatal referral facility, built on the foundation of the former West Maternity Hospital. The launch was also attended by First Lady Rachel Ruto.
With a mission to improve maternal health outcomes across the North Rift region, the facility was a flagship project aimed at supporting the government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
Among other facilities, the hospital has a 70-bed capacity, including 40 maternity-specific beds, a modern operating theatre, diagnostic laboratory, ICT centre, and pharmacy.
Other features include: 20 standard incubators and two advanced tunnel incubators, a first in Western Kenya.
In its early months, the facility reported over 1,000 normal deliveries and more than 50 Cesarean sections.