M-PESA Foundation injects Sh120million to upgrade maternal care at Mbagathi
Mbagathi County Referral Hospital in Nairobi is set to undergo a transformative infrastructure upgrade following the approval of a Sh120 million grant by the M-PESA Foundation, a move expected to significantly strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services in Nairobi.
The funding will support the construction and equipping of a modern, comprehensive maternity complex aimed at addressing long-standing capacity and service delivery challenges at one of the city’s busiest public referral facilities.
The grant was approved by the M-PESA Foundation Board of Trustees during a meeting held on September 5, 2025, after a formal request by the hospital’s management.
An approval letter dated September 8, 2025, outlines an ambitious project designed to modernise maternity care and improve clinical outcomes for mothers and newborns.
According to the hospital, the new maternity block will bring together a wide range of critical services under one roof.
The facility will include triage and consultation rooms, antenatal and postnatal wards, labour and delivery suites, an obstetric theatre, recovery rooms, a dedicated pharmacy and laboratory, as well as a kangaroo mother care unit for premature and low-birth-weight babies.
Supporting infrastructure such as a borehole, power backup systems and landscaped surroundings will also be incorporated to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and a dignified healing environment.
Mbagathi County Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alexander Irungu described the project as a milestone in the hospital’s journey to enhance the quality and accessibility of maternal healthcare.
He said the new complex would help decongest existing wards while significantly improving efficiency and patient experience.
“The new maternity complex will significantly decongest our existing wards while bringing critical services such as obstetric theatres, kangaroo mother care, and modern diagnostic facilities under one roof,” Dr. Irungu said.
“This integration will greatly improve outcomes for both mothers and babies by reducing delays in care and ensuring timely medical interventions,” he added.
Mbagathi Hospital serves thousands of patients annually and plays a critical role as a referral centre for Nairobi and neighbouring regions.
Over the years, rising demand for maternal health services has strained its facilities, underscoring the need for expanded and modernised infrastructure.
The project will be implemented under the supervision of the M-PESA Foundation’s project management consultants to ensure adherence to quality standards and timely delivery.
Disbursement of funds will be subject to the signing of a standard grant agreement and submission of the required documentation by the hospital.
Dr. Irungu hailed the partnership with the M-PESA Foundation as a major boost to public healthcare delivery, noting that strategic collaborations are essential in strengthening Kenya’s health system.
“We are grateful for this partnership with the M-PESA Foundation, which strengthens our mission to expand access to quality public healthcare,” he said.
“By improving infrastructure and support systems, we can significantly reduce preventable maternal and neonatal risks,” he added.
Once completed, the new maternity complex is expected to reduce health risks for mothers and newborns, enhance service efficiency and provide comprehensive, dignified maternal healthcare.
For many families who depend on Mbagathi Hospital, the project represents renewed hope for safer childbirth and better beginnings for the next generation in Nairobi.
