Kenyan lawmakers, health practitioners and civil societies are making a renewed effort to push for legal protections for women newborns and children as the deadline for the sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 draw nearer.
During a high-level dialogue titled ‘Legislating to Save Lives: Strengthening the Legal Framework for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health in Kenya’, convened by the Health NGOs Network (HENNET) , experts warned that Kenya must move quickly to pass laws that close persistent gaps undermining maternal and newborn survival.
On its part, The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) is championing several pieces of legislation that collectively aim to strengthen legal protection for women, expand access to emergency obstetric care and improve nutrition for newborns.
In a statement by KEWOPA read by Hon. Phyllis Bartoo the members of Parliament intensified their commitment to advancing key legislative reforms.
“Today’s dialogue, legislating to save lives, gives us the space to strengthen the laws that determine whether a woman receives quality maternal care, whether a newborn survives and whether a child’s right to nutrition and protection is upheld. Maternal newborn and child health must stand as the center of our legislating agenda.”
Currently, there are three bills, The Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill (MNCH) 2023, The assisted Reproductive Health Bill (ART) 2022 and the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill 2024.
Progress has been made as The Assisted Reproductive Bill ((ART) that championed by Hon. Millie Odhiambo has been passed by the National Assembly and now awaits Senate approval.
“These bills carry a clear purpose,” the association noted. “They aim to improve coordination, financing, accountability and service delivery for women and children. The ART bill provides a strong legal framework for assisted Reproductive services, offering new opportunities for families across the country.”
Speaking at the same meeting Executive Director HENNET, Dr. Margaret Lubaale applauded lawmakers for taking leadership at a crucial moment. She however warned that without concerted efforts, Kenya risks falling behind on national and global commitments like the SDG 2030.
“We have just four years left to achieve the SDGs, to make real progress toward Universal Health Coverage and to meet our national and continental commitments,” Dr. Lubaale said. “If we continue at the same pace, we risk having the same conversations 30 years from now. The urgency is real, and the need for clarity of purpose is greater than ever.”
According to Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022. Kenya’s maternal and newborn indicators remain high as maternal mortality stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, and neonatal mortality rate is at 21 per 1,000 live births, against the global target of 70 per 100,000 live births and 12 per 1000 live births respectively. These Figures, experts say are unacceptable in a country with Kenya’s policy infrastructure and health ambitions.
Dr. James Nyikal who is a longtime legislator and the Chair of National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health, also weighed in, noting that while having legislation is key, Kenya’s failure to adequately fund and implement existing health policies is a major contributing factor to preventable deaths.
“We have strong policies world-class, even,” Dr. Nyikal said. “But policies alone don’t save lives. Implementation does. Financing does. Parliament must ensure that the money follows the commitment, because without adequate resources, these laws remain words on paper.”
As the dialogue concluded, lawmakers and civil society groups pledged to fast-track key bills, strengthen cross-party collaboration and ensure that legal reforms translate into real gains for Kenyan families.
