This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
On a fateful day last week, a young woman in labour was in dire need of help at Chuka University. Fortunately, a quick-thinking nursing student, Hosea Chepkok, was nearby and sprang into action.
According to Chepkok, who hails from Baringo and had recently completed an internship at Embu Level 5, he was visiting a friend in the nearby hostel when he heard the commotion. He rushed to the scene and found the student in labour with the baby's head already visible.
With no time to call an ambulance or taxi, Chepkok took charge, rushing to his room to get gloves and assisting the student until she delivered. He then cut the umbilical cord, cleaned the baby, and called a taxi to take the mother to the hospital for further treatment.
Although Chepkok is not yet licensed to perform such tasks alone, he was able to act quickly and decisively in this emergency situation. He advised that women should stick to their birth plans, have cash on hand, and have a flexible driver and doctor's contact information in case of an emergency.
