Kiambu county govt denies reports of 136 infant deaths
By David Nthua, October 3, 2025The Kiambu County Government, through Health Chief Officer Patrick Nyagah, has disputed recent data released by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), claiming the county has lost 136 infants to maternal deaths in the past four months.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Nyagah provided a detailed breakdown that shows only 53 deaths were officially recorded, far below the union’s figures.
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According to Nyagah, the deaths recorded in the past four months include 16 in May, 14 in June, 9 in July, and 14 in August.
“Those patients, when they come, as critical as they are, their deaths will be reported here,” Nyagah explained, adding that the union’s data included cases of babies born stillborn and others born before the legally recognised survival period of 21 weeks.
“When you combine all those factors, you arrive at the exaggerated numbers the union is circulating,” he said.
Nyagah emphasised that the county’s records adhere strictly to medical protocols and national health reporting standards.
“Anyone born before 21 weeks, in this country’s healthcare system, will not survive.
Those deaths are reported differently and cannot be mixed with live births that later die,” he said, clarifying that the union’s report lacked verification and was misleading the public.
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He also criticised KMPDU for refusing to engage in constructive dialogue with the county government over the ongoing doctors’ strike, now entering its fourth month.
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The Kiambu County Health Chief Officer reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in healthcare delivery.
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The statement comes as the county continues to grapple with the ongoing doctors’ strike, which has significantly affected hospital services, with maternal and child health being among the most impacted areas.
That aside, the development comes amid heightened pressure from Kenyans on the government over the achievement of the UHC.
