STATE TO DENY LICENCE RENEWAL FOR HEALTH FACILITIES WITH HIGH MATERNAL MORTALITY — CS DUALE

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a stern warning to health facilities and practitioners recording high maternal mortality rates, saying the government will not renew their licenses. Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, the CS emphasized that negligence and poor service delivery in maternal health will no longer be tolerated under his watch.

Duale revealed that his ministry is preparing to launch a nationwide survey aimed at identifying health facilities and medical personnel linked to cases of malpractice, negligence, or preventable maternal deaths. The comprehensive audit, he said, will focus on both public and private hospitals to ensure accountability across the entire healthcare system.

“Any hospital or practitioner found to be compromising maternal health through negligence will face disciplinary action, including non-renewal of licenses and possible prosecution,” said Duale. He noted that maternal mortality remains a major concern despite significant government investment in reproductive and maternal healthcare services.

The CS added that the government is determined to protect the lives of mothers and infants through stricter enforcement of health regulations and continuous professional training for healthcare providers. He further assured the public that the ministry will strengthen supervision and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with national health standards.

Duale’s remarks come amid growing concern over the rising number of maternal deaths across the country, with several recent cases reported in both rural and urban hospitals. The new measures, he said, are part of a broader plan to restore public confidence in Kenya’s healthcare system and guarantee safe motherhood for all.