- Faith Kipyegon breaks ground on maternity project in Nakuru in a bid to help lower the high rate of maternal deaths in Kenya.
- According to the latest WHO health statistics, Kenya continues to face up to 350 deaths with every 100,000 live births.
- This means about 16 women die daily from pregnancy-related complications.
Kenya’s track queen Faith Kipyegon is finding even more reason to cement her already well-established legacy after commissioning the construction of a maternity project in her home community in Keringet, Nakuru County.
The 3-time Olympic champion, announced on her official social media platforms that she is building the maternity project in a bid to help lower the high rate of maternal deaths in Kenya.
“While growing up in Keringet and still today, I see something that breaks my heart far too often. I see women go into labour full of hope, carrying life, carrying dreams and too many times, they come back empty-handed. Not because they did anything wrong. But because the care they needed was too far away, too limited, or simply not good enough.
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Faith Kipyegon breaks ground on maternity project
For a long time, I carried a dream in my heart. A dream to help change this reality. A dream to create a place where women feel safe when they give life.
Today, that dream takes its first powerful step. Together with Nike, and together with this community, we are building a maternity wing here. A dedicated space for women and children. A place designed to provide better birth care, close to home. A place where mothers are supported, respected, and protected. A place where life begins with strength,” Kipyegon posted.
Kipyegon revealed the project will be called the ‘Dare to Dream Maternity Ward’ and will be located at the Immaculate Conception grounds.
“This project is not about me. It is about the women who will walk through these doors with courage. It is about the babies who will take their first breath here. It is about families who will return home whole. It is about showing that when women are supported, entire communities rise.
Today, as we break ground, we also break silence. We say clearly: women deserve better care. Mothers deserve safety. Children deserve a strong start to life. Today, we are not just building walls. We are building possibility. We are building dignity. We are building a future,” she said.
According to the latest WHO health statistics, Kenya continues to face up to 350 deaths with every 100,000 live births. This means about 16 women die daily from pregnancy-related complications.
The Kenyan athlete announced she will be getting support to build the infrastructure from some partners including sponsors Nike.
“I’m looking forward to develop this project further with the support of Nike, the Order of Malta, the Franciscan Sisters of The Immaculate Conception and the local community,” she said.
Some of the athletes who attended the groundbreaking ceremony included the revered Eliud Kipchoge among others.