New 25-year plan targets better maternal and child health in Kenya
Health & Science
By
Ryan Kerubo
| Nov 13, 2025
Kenya has made numerous commitments over the years to improve maternal and child health, yet many have not been put into action.
The country continues to face high maternal deaths, poor access to care for children, and a shortage of skilled health workers—especially in rural areas.
The Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium (KEPRECON) hopes to change this with the launch of two new blueprints: a five-year Strategic Plan (2025–2030) and a 25-year Master Plan (2025–2050).The goal is to translate policy into action and build a fair, resilient health system for mothers and children.
During the launch in Nairobi, Prof Fred Were, KEPRECON’s Chief Executive and Research Director, said the plans aim to strengthen systems that protect mothers, children, and communities.
“We are not where we want to be,” he said. “No single indicator of manpower requirements is fully met. Through this plan, we aim to build a motivated and mentored workforce supported by good laws, policies, and systems.”
READ MORE
Mudavadi lauds Kenya's digital sprint as Safaricom marks 25 years
Lender deepens Kenya ties with Sh19b bet on infrastructure, energy
Dar firm tightens grip on Kenya market with Sh723m EAPC deal
Experts: Use retired Kenya Navy ships to train local seamen
How quality of land is slowing down development of housing units units
Mombasa roll out plan to deal with housing, land issues
State to accredit building sector agencies on conformity and safety
Affordable housing project feted for promoting urbanisation, decent living
Farmer's Choice banks on cookout series to refine brand's legacy
KPA to roll out 24-hour schedule in fresh port decongestion bid
The plans align with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and Vision 2030. The long-term 25-year framework extends to 2050, envisioning Kenya as a regional and continental leader in maternal and child health research and policy.
Prof Were noted that while Kenya has many health policies, few are clear or practical.
“You will find volumes of documents in offices,” he said. “Our work is to turn those into something simple—something a community health worker or a county leader with no medical background can understand and use.”
The new KEPRECON framework focuses on turning research into practice, promoting data-driven decision-making, and strengthening training for health workers. It also embraces digital tools such as artificial intelligence and data systems to improve service delivery and accountability.
Dr Rosemarie Lopokoiyit, a paediatrician and KEPRECON board member, said the organisation’s evolution from a small research arm of the Kenya Paediatric Association into an independent body reflects its commitment to real change.
“Our aim is to be catalysts for health systems research,” she said. “The strategic plan gives us small but focused steps to reach our 2050 goals and make research useful to real people.”
Prof Ambrose Agweyu, an infectious disease epidemiologist with the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Programme, described the launch as a major milestone for the consortium.
“We are working in an environment of both opportunity and challenge. There is a growing health workforce, the effects of climate change, and new digital spaces,” he said. “This plan helps us bring research and practice together to support Vision 2030 and beyond.”
The two plans emphasise building a data-driven, people-centred health system where evidence informs every decision—from county hospitals to national policy.
“Our goal is to move from data to evidence, and from evidence to practice,” Prof Were said.