Cabinet Secretary Mailu

Principal Secretary Muraguri

Governor Mutua

County Executive Committee member for health Mutie

County Chief Officer for Health Sila

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Mabibi na mabwana, habari zenu?

I’m happy to be in Machakos County this morning. I can see that it is indeed “the place to be”! We are here today to hand-over medical equipment to help mothers and babies live healthy, long lives. This equipment is provided by the United States to support the excellent work the Government of Kenya and counties, such as Machakos, are doing to bring health services to Kenyan families.

Governor Mutua, you have been a leader in demonstrating that devolution of the health sector can bring essential services closer to the people of Kenya. Your leadership has led to the upgrade of this Machakos Level 5 Hospital to a fully-fledged referral hospital, furnished with state-of-the-art equipment. It is truly an impressive facility.  We also have seen the construction of new dispensaries across the county to meet growing demands for health services. These kinds of improvements will surely lead to a healthier Machakos.

I congratulate Kenya, and Machakos County, in particular, on the impressive progress made in health over the last decade. The recently released 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) showed important gains in the health of mothers and children. Under-five mortality decreased by nearly 30 percent, and fewer women are dying from pregnancy-related complications. The survey also showed Machakos County is doing particularly well in caring for its mothers and babies. The county has exceeded the national average for every indicator in maternal and child health. Hongera sana!

A major reason for the improved health of mothers and babies is the Government of Kenya Free Maternity Services policy. The Kenyan Government has provided critical equipment to hospitals all over this country. The United States has supported this endeavour with assistance in purchasing and distributing some of this equipment. Last December, the U.S. government sponsored maternal and new-born equipment to monitor pregnancies, assist in safer deliveries, and manage health complications in mothers and new-borns during and after delivery. This equipment was delivered to all 47 counties across the country. We have been providing similar support since 2010, and will continue through our new $650 million partnership with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority.

The Free Maternity Services policy introduced in 2013 has greatly increased demand for health services For this reason, in addition to providing medical equipment to hospitals, ample space in these facilities for health services is also necessary. We have worked with counties, including Machakos, to meet this need by renovating maternal and newborn units, including hospitals in Kangundo and Athi River.  This type of investment is repeated in several counties across Kenya where USAID is working with county governments as they seek to improve the availability and quality of maternal and newborn health services. This is the kind of care and dignity mothers and children deserve.

The United States has been a long-term partner with Kenya. We recognize the health of women and children determines the trajectory of development in a country. Our investments reflect this understanding. In 2015 we committed more than $43 million through USAID to improve the health of women, newborns, and other children, including the $1.8 million of equipment distributed across Kenya last December. Ultimately, our investments will help more women plan their families and receive life-saving care before, during, and after pregnancy; and enable more children to get vaccinations and nutrition for their growth and development.

During President Obama’s historic visit to Kenya in July, he highlighted his commitment to working with Kenya to improve health in this country. During his speech to the Kenyan people, President Obama said, “America partners with Kenya in areas where you’re making enormous progress, and we focus on what Kenyans can do for themselves and building capacity… on health, where Kenya has struck huge blows against HIV/AIDS  and other diseases, while building up the capacity to provide better care in your communities.”

Today is another example of this partnership.

As I hand over this equipment as a symbolic gesture of our cooperation, I assure you of our continued support of your efforts to improve the welfare of your citizens. Governor Mutua, I am grateful for your hospitality, and for the inspiring work you have done in Machakos. Cabinet Secretary Mailu—I know you are new to this position, but what isn’t new is your lifelong dedicated work for the health of your country. Thank you for all you have done, and I look forward to working with you. Thank you, too, to our implementing partners in the APHIAplus Kamili Project for the excellent support you have provided the county over the last five years. Lastly, I want to give a big “asante sana” to the Kenyan healthcare workers who are on the frontlines: giving advice to expectant mothers, making deliveries safer, ensuring children receive their vaccinations and essential nutrients, and ultimately helping the next generation of Kenyans to be stronger, healthier, and more able to contribute to their country’s development.

Together, let’s continue this great work! Pamoja, tusonge mbele!

Asante sana