Kitui County has distributed 63 portable ultrasound machines to rural health facilities, aiming to reduce maternal deaths through early detection of pregnancy-related complications.

The initiative, part of the Point of Care Ultrasound Services (Pocus) program, has been in place for a year and is credited with significantly lowering maternal mortality rates.

It was showcased on Wednesday August 13, 2025, at the 9th Devolution Conference in Homa Bay.

According to Christine Sammy, a senior pediatric nurse, the devices enable healthcare workers in remote areas to monitor foetal heart rate, position, amniotic fluid levels, and placenta health—information comparable to that from machines in higher-level hospitals. 

She noted a significant reduction in maternal deaths since the devices were deployed.

Previously, such services were only available at Kitui Referral Hospital and Mwingi Level IV Hospital, meaning mothers in the county’s 311 health facilities often had to travel long distances.

Now, early diagnosis and timely referrals are helping save lives across Kitui’s vast and rugged terrain.

Public Health Chief Officer Lynn Kitwan said the ministry has trained health workers on using the gadgets and plans to procure more devices to expand the program further.