The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has called on the Kisii County Government and the Ministry of Health to urgently intervene and upgrade the Magena Dispensary in Kenyenya Sub-county.
This comes in the wake of a tragic maternal death that sparked national outrage and renewed concerns over the state of rural healthcare facilities.
Led by Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Aburi, a delegation of women parliamentarians visited the dispensary following the death of 27-year-old Phanice Ratemo, who passed away after experiencing prolonged labour at the facility two weeks ago.
The incident, widely shared on social media, triggered public outcry and raised questions about the competence and preparedness of the dispensary’s staff and infrastructure.
During the visit, the MPs condemned the deplorable conditions at the facility, citing severe understaffing, lack of basic medical equipment, poor lighting, and unhygienic conditions, particularly in the maternity wing.
According to Aburi, Ratemo’s death could have been avoided had the dispensary been properly equipped to handle maternal emergencies.
“Our visit has confirmed the fears of many residents—this facility lacks essential medical supplies, diagnostic tools, and even basic lighting. It is unacceptable that expectant mothers are risking their lives due to such neglect,” said Aburi.
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga echoed similar sentiments, decrying the poor hygiene in the maternity section and emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms.
She called for an immediate investigation into Ratemo’s death and for those found culpable of negligence to be held accountable.
“This case shows clear signs of medical neglect. Ratemo was reportedly in labour for more than 24 hours. That should have prompted an emergency referral to a better-equipped hospital. We cannot let this go uninvestigated,” Odinga stated.
The legislators underscored the need for a broader conversation about maternal health in Kenya, particularly in rural areas where many health facilities remain ill-equipped and underfunded.
They urged the Ministry of Health to step in and assess the dispensary with a view to supporting its infrastructural development.
Vihiga Woman MP Dr. Beatrice Adagala called on the national government to prioritize maternal health by ensuring rural health centers are adequately funded and resourced.
“We cannot keep losing mothers in childbirth because of preventable causes. The government must move with speed to renovate and equip this facility and others like it across the country,” said Dr. Adagala.
The legislators’ visit forms part of KEWOPA’s wider advocacy for improved healthcare access for women and children, particularly in marginalized and underserved regions.
The association vowed to continue pushing for policy and budgetary interventions aimed at addressing maternal mortality and strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system.
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