Kenya records an estimated 355 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, translating to about 5,000 maternal deaths annually, according to national and UN data.
At the same time, the country experiences approximately 30,000 stillbirths every year, many of them occurring during labour.
Behind these figures is a largely invisible burden.
Studies in western Kenya show postpartum depression rates of between 11% and 18%, with higher risk among young and first-time mothers, women facing financial stress, and those who experience miscarriage or stillbirth.
Mothers, health workers, and leaders gathered in Vihiga County for a community event that blended celebration with public health action, as a new approach to maternal mental health was rolled out on the ground.
The event, organised by Thalia Psychotherapy through its maternal wellbeing programme Maisha Mothers, aimed to demonstrate how mental health support can be integrated into routine maternal and child health services.
A baby crawling race drew families and helped create an open, stigma-free environment, allowing mothers, especially young and first-time mothers, to access information, screening, and follow-up support in a relaxed community setting.
Leaders back community-led approach
The event was attended by county officials, Hon. Godfrey Osotsi, the Senator for Vihiga County, and Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, a former Cabinet Secretary and senior political leader from the region.
Their presence underscored growing political support for addressing maternal mental health as part of Kenya’s broader health agenda.
Speaking during the event, Ruth Amoko, Head of Special Projects at Thalia Psychotherapy, said the programme focuses on continuity of care beyond delivery.
“Many mothers leave the clinic physically well but emotionally overwhelmed,” she said. “By screening early and following up through community health promoters, we can identify distress before it escalates and connect mothers to the right support.”
