Kenya, June 30, 2026 - Kenya records between 1.2 million and 1.3 million births annually, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), yet thousands of newborns die within their first weeks of life each year.
Data from the Ministry of Health under the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative shows that approximately 42,000 newborns die annually, contributing to more than 51,000 infant deaths. This translates to nearly 92 newborn deaths every day.
While access to healthcare remains a key challenge, health experts say insufficient maternal and newborn health information is also a major contributing factor.
Many mothers, particularly in low-resource settings, continue to make critical decisions during pregnancy and after delivery without adequate guidance. Health advocates warn that misinformation around pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care remains widespread, increasing the risk of preventable complications and delays in seeking medical attention.
Ashley Muteti, founder of the Zuri Nzilani Foundation, says improving awareness is essential to reducing newborn deaths.
“There are still huge gaps in awareness, and this lack of knowledge directly affects both mothers and their babies,” she said.
The foundation reaches more than 500 mothers annually through community-based programmes focused on breastfeeding education, maternal health, and childhood immunisation. Working alongside international researchers from Royal Holloway University of London and healthcare providers such as Jacaranda Maternity, the organisation combines medical expertise with community education to help mothers make informed decisions.
Nurse and breastfeeding specialist at Jacaranda Maternity, Isabela Mudogo, says breastfeeding remains one of the most effective interventions for improving newborn survival.