By Henry Nyarora
Nyamira County First Lady Emily Nyaribo has encouraged expectant mothers to prioritise antenatal care, maintain healthy diets and seek skilled assistance during childbirth to help reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
Ms Nyaribo said regular prenatal clinic visits were essential for monitoring pregnancies and identifying potential complications early enough for medical intervention.
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She urged expectant mothers to attend at least eight antenatal clinic visits before delivery and undergo two ultrasound scans during pregnancy to establish whether their unborn babies were developing well.
“They should also ensure that they undergo ultrasound checks twice in their pregnancy period to confirm whether the unborn child is progressing well,” she said.
Ms Nyaribo, the wife of Governor Amos Nyaribo, was speaking to expectant mothers at Kenyoro Health Centre in Nyamira North Sub-County on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Accompanied by Ekerenyo Sub-County Hospital head Dr Geoffrey Nyambuti and County Nursing Officer Caren Ateka, the First Lady also advised pregnant women to avoid heavy chores and maintain balanced diets to support healthy pregnancies and childbirth.
“You should also stick to a balanced diet for healthy children,” she added.
She discouraged expectant mothers from delivering at home, noting that health facilities with maternity services were available closer to many communities across the county.
Ms Nyaribo warned that prolonged labour without appropriate medical attention could expose mothers to complications, including obstetric fistula.
“Research has shown that prolonged labour at home is a major cause of fistula cases,” she said.
She encouraged women who had developed fistula during childbirth to seek medical attention, assuring them that the condition could be treated.
“Don’t shy away if you have such a condition; it can be corrected in hospital and lead a normal life,” she noted.
Later, Ms Nyaribo donated assorted items to expectant mothers, including nappies, soaps, lesos and baby clothes.
The visit also provided an opportunity for mothers receiving care at the facility to share their experiences with local health services.
Diana Kemunto Osinde, an expectant mother, praised the county government for expanding access to healthcare by establishing more facilities in rural areas.
“We thank the County government for building more health facilities in rural areas. We no longer travel for long distances seeking prenatal services.
“Above all, medical staff are very friendly while they handle us in such facilities,” she said.
Stacy Kawaka, a 23-year-old student at Nyamira National Polytechnic who comes from Homa Bay County, also expressed satisfaction with the antenatal services she receives at Kenyoro Health Centre.
“Health workers are always friendly and helpful whenever I visit a prenatal clinic at Kenyoro Health Center,” she said.
-Henry Nyarora writes for the Nyamira County Governor’s Press Unit and is a member of the Gusii Press Club.
