Triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new maternal and child healthcare facility in her hometown of Keringet, Nakuru County, marking a significant milestone in community health and athlete-led philanthropy.
The facility, to be known as the Dare to Dream Maternity Ward, is being built in Kipyegon’s honor with the aim of improving access to safe childbirth services and postnatal care for mothers and newborns in the region.
Once completed, the ward is expected to reduce maternal and neonatal risks by bringing essential services closer to families who currently travel long distances for care.
The project is a collaborative effort involving Nike, which dedicated the ward following Kipyegon’s Breaking 4 world record mile attempt, alongside Immaculate Conception and Malta Guinness.
The partnership reflects a growing trend of private sector support for community health infrastructure anchored by globally recognized athletes.
The inauguration was preceded by a kids’ cross-country race held earlier that morning, underscoring Kipyegon’s emphasis on nurturing young talent and linking sport to social development.
The event drew local schools and families, reinforcing the athlete’s long-standing connection to the community.
Keringet holds particular significance in Kipyegon’s story. It is where she began her athletic journey, famously running barefoot as a pupil at Keringet Township Primary School before rising to become one of the most decorated runners in history.
Her return to launch a healthcare facility signals a full-circle moment, translating sporting success into tangible local impact.
The maternity ward builds on Kipyegon’s broader advocacy for women’s health. In 2024, she took part in the Run for Her marathon, using her platform to raise awareness about postpartum hemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Kenya.
Regionally, the project complements ongoing infrastructure development in Keringet, including the near completion of the Keringet Sports Academy, also referred to as the Faith Kipyegon Stadium.
Together, the initiatives position the town as a growing hub for both health and sport, anchored by the legacy of its most famous daughter.
For Keringet residents, the Dare to Dream Maternity Ward represents more than a building. It is a statement of access, dignity, and the practical power of giving back.
