Makueni County has taken bold strides in redefining maternal and newborn healthcare by placing men at the center of the conversation as Kenya marked World Contraception Day 2025.
Through its Department of Health, and in collaboration with partners, the county launched an ambitious initiative under the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Program aimed at reducing both maternal and neonatal mortality. At the heart of this effort is an unlikely but powerful ally – bodaboda riders, who are often the first responders for expectant mothers in emergencies.
The launch event, held at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote, brought together bodaboda representatives from all of the county’s 30 wards. The riders, trained as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) in maternal, newborn, and adolescent health, will play a critical role in cascading lifesaving knowledge to their peers. Their mission is anchored in the EWENE movement (Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere), which emphasizes reaching mothers wherever they are.
Speaking during the launch, Prof. Ann Kihara, Executive Director of Women Engaged in Development, underscored the importance of the initiative:
“In rural areas, bodabodas are the most reliable and affordable means of transport during emergencies. Training riders to support timely maternal healthcare strengthens the safety net for our mothers and babies.”
Within two years, the program targets to: Reduce maternal deaths in health facilities by 30%, ensure 80% of emergency transfers are done in good time, and enroll 40% of active riders into an accredited emergency transport network.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. urged bodaboda leaders to rally their members, noting that their involvement will complement the efforts of Community Health Promoters, whose mobility is often limited:
“Bodabodas are not just transporters—they are lifesavers. Their involvement will be pivotal in reducing preventable maternal and child deaths in Makueni.”
This year’s national World Contraception Day celebrations were hosted in Makueni under the theme “A Choice for All: Agency, Intention, and Access.” The event provided a platform to showcase progress, share best practices, and reflect on persisting gaps in access to family planning services.
Makueni’s leadership in reproductive health is well documented. The county boasts a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 64%, outpacing the national average of 57%. It was also among the first counties to establish a dedicated family planning budget, bolstering long-term programs supported by partners like Jhpiego.
As the curtains closed on the celebrations, one message rang clear: in Makueni, saving mothers and newborns is everyone’s business and men, especially bodaboda riders, are steering the journey.
