Access to affordable maternal healthcare remains one of the most important pillars of any healthcare system. Every expectant mother should be able to walk into a public hospital knowing that financial constraints will not stand between her and safe delivery services. Over the years, government initiatives such as Linda Mama were introduced specifically to reduce the burden on mothers and ensure that childbirth does not become a financial crisis for struggling families.

The transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA) was sold to Kenyans as a move that would improve access to healthcare and expand coverage for vulnerable groups. However, concerns continue to emerge from various parts of the country, with patients questioning whether the promises made during the rollout are being experienced on the ground. For many families, the real test of any healthcare system is what happens when they arrive at a hospital seeking treatment.

Nothing highlights these concerns more than complaints from mothers giving birth in public facilities. At a time when the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, unexpected hospital bills running into tens of thousands of shillings can leave families devastated and force some parents into debt immediately after welcoming a newborn into the world.

Hello Nyakundi,

Kindly hide my identity.

I would like to raise concerns regarding Mtwapa Sub-County Hospital in Kilifi County and the treatment of expectant mothers seeking delivery services.

Many mothers are confused and frustrated because despite public assurances by President William Ruto regarding affordable maternal healthcare, they are still being asked to pay substantial amounts of money when giving birth at the facility.

From what I have witnessed and what many mothers have shared, some patients are being charged amounts ranging from KSh10,000 to KSh30,000 after delivery.

What is even more concerning is that these charges are reportedly affecting mothers whether they have SHA coverage or not.

As a result, many women leave the hospital with huge bills at a time when they are already facing the financial demands that come with caring for a newborn child.

The situation has left many families wondering what happened to the promise of accessible maternal healthcare.

A growing number of mothers are now openly saying that they preferred the Linda Mama programme because they found it easier to understand and more beneficial during childbirth.

Many feel that the current arrangement under SHA has left them confused about what is covered and what is not.

The result is that some mothers arrive at the hospital expecting support only to be confronted with bills they never anticipated.

With the current economic situation, these charges are becoming unbearable for ordinary families.

Some parents are forced to borrow money, sell property, or seek help from relatives simply to clear hospital bills and take their newborn babies home.

Giving birth should be a joyful moment for families, not the beginning of a financial crisis.

I am therefore appealing to the Ministry of Health, SHA officials, Kilifi County Government, and the management of Mtwapa Sub-County Hospital to clarify the situation and address the concerns being raised by mothers.

Why are mothers reportedly being charged such large amounts for delivery services?

What exactly is covered under SHA for maternity services?

And why do many mothers feel they received better support under the previous Linda Mama programme?

The government should listen to the voices of mothers because they are the ones experiencing these challenges firsthand.

No mother should be forced into financial distress simply because she gave birth in a public health facility.

Concerned Resident.