The Cabinet has approved a KSh4.5 billion Mother-and-Child Lifeline Initiative that will see the construction of 10 new specialised hospitals across the country to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare services.
The project was approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, as part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised medical services.
Ten counties to benefit
The initiative will be implemented through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the Amsons Group, with new Level 4 and Level 5 Mother and Child hospitals planned in ten counties.
The hospitals will be established at:
- Magadi Road, Nairobi
- Galmagalla, Fafi Constituency (Garissa)
- Siakago (Embu)
- Kisumu County Referral Hospital
- Kabichbich (West Pokot)
- Huruma (Uasin Gishu)
- Tudor (Mombasa)
- Bahati (Nakuru)
- Samburu (Kwale)
- Chebunyo (Bomet)
According to the Cabinet, the facilities are expected to improve access to quality maternal and child healthcare services, particularly in underserved regions.
Complementing Kenya-Austria health programme
The new initiative will work alongside the second phase of the Kenya-Austria Mother and Child – Our Future Project, which has been allocated KSh7.8 billion.
The government said the two programmes will jointly modernise maternal and neonatal healthcare services, including upgrades at Kenyatta National Hospital, while expanding access to specialised treatment across the country.
Officials noted that the combined investment will significantly strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system by improving infrastructure, equipment and service delivery.
Improving maternal and neonatal care
The Cabinet said the projects are designed to increase the availability of specialised healthcare for mothers and newborns while strengthening the country’s health workforce.
In addition to expanding healthcare facilities, the initiative is expected to enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals through improved training and modern medical infrastructure.
The government says the investment will contribute to better health outcomes by increasing access to quality maternity services and specialised neonatal care.
Cabinet orders probe into KSh6.2 billion payroll fraud
During the same meeting, the Cabinet directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate suspected payroll fraud uncovered during a government audit.
According to the Cabinet, a review of payroll systems in 12 of the country’s 53 State Departments identified suspected irregularities amounting to KSh6.2 billion.
The audit reportedly uncovered unauthorised payroll alterations, irregular salary payments, weak controls over statutory deductions and gaps in payroll oversight.
Government to overhaul payroll systems
Cabinet directed investigators to identify those responsible, recover any lost public funds and prosecute individuals found culpable.
The meeting also approved a comprehensive payroll reform programme, including:
- A government-wide audit of all remaining State Departments and public institutions.
- Migration of ministries, departments, agencies and state corporations to the upgraded Integrated Human Resource and Payroll System.
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures.
- Payroll data validation and cleansing.
- Establishment of a disaster recovery system.
- Integration of payroll management with other public financial management systems.
The government said the reforms are intended to eliminate payroll fraud, improve accountability and safeguard public resources through stronger oversight and modernised payroll management systems.
