The Kenya Health Policy (2014 – 2030) and Maternal Mortality Rates in Kenya: a Case Study of Kakamega County (2016-2021)

Abstract

This study was proposed to evaluate Kenya's health policy (2014-2030) impact in addressing maternal mortality in Kakamega County. The study specifically endeavoured to identify the contribution of the health workforce in addressing maternal mortality, evaluate how health infrastructure has impacted a change in maternal mortality and interrogated the effectiveness of the service delivery systems in tackling maternal mortality in Kakamega County. The study was an evaluative mixed research design that was used to collect data- both quantitative and qualitative. The study population target were healthcare workers that included doctors, clinical officers, nurses, nutritionists, Community Health workers and Community Health Volunteers from Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral hospital (KCGTRH) who have worked more than 2 years at the hospital. Quantitative and qualitative methods were the data analysis methods employed for the study. Figures and tables were used to present the analysed data in order simplify interpretation and comprehension of the research findings. The study found that although medical staffs at Kakamega County General Referral and Teaching Hospital are aware of the existence of Kenya Health Policy 2014-2030, it still needs for the policy to be appropriately disseminated. The study made the conclusion that health infrastructure has a significant influence on maternal health service delivery at Kakamega County General Referral and Teaching Hospital. The study recommends that the government of Kenya increases budgetary allocation for successful implementation of the Kenya Health Policy. Moreover, dissemination of the policy should be done to the healthcare workers of Kakamega County. The study recommends that for Kakamega County General Referral and Teaching Hospital and other health facilities that offer maternal services to curb maternal mortality, there is a need to establish better health worker practices. The Ministry of Health should make sure that hospitals that offer maternal services have an adequate healthcare workforce, employ healthcare professionals who are qualified and knowledgeable, and check that the facilities' staff members have the right work and personal attitudes. The study suggests that health facilities need to have an adequate physical infrastructure in order to provide better maternal services in hospitals. Water, electricity, sanitation, hand hygiene, wards, theatres, clinics, beds and waste disposal must all be available in health facilities and be safe, dependable, and functional. Additionally, an increase of awareness creation at the community level on the importance of skilled healthcare during pregnancy, at birth and post-delivery will lead to reduction of maternal deaths. The study recommends home-based care and the incorporation of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the healthcare system to enhance service delivery and promote use of skilled birth