Last week, I shared the story of Diana A. Otieno, who wrote about her experiences as a mother to a premature baby, and even went on to author a book about that journey. (You can catch my interview with Diana here.) It is therefore interesting, and quite timely, that I have come across yet another uplifting story of prematurity, this time from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), which I’m sharing below.
When Vivian Anyango became pregnant for the third time, she carried with her a deep hope that this time, she would make it to term. She and her husband, Kenneth Otieno, had previously lost two pregnancies, so the joy of expecting again was inevitably accompanied by anxiety and fear.
Things seemed to be going well. Until they weren’t.
Going into labour at 25 weeks
At just 25 weeks into the pregnancy, Vivian went into labour. One can only imagine how terrifying that moment must have been for the couple. Were they about to lose yet another pregnancy? On 26 September 2025, Vivian was referred to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, where a team of doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to stabilize her and prepare for the journey ahead.
Four days later, Vivian delivered extremely premature twins. Twin One weighed 750 grams, while Twin Two weighed just 650 grams. Their lives began in the Newborn Unit (NBU), which would become their home for several months as they fought to survive.
Both babies were placed on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to help them breathe. Their survival depended on specialized medical care, constant monitoring, and the unwavering commitment of their parents. Vivian practiced Kangaroo Mother Care, which is a recommended method for caring for preterm babies that involves prolonged skin-to-skin contact. In this case, Vivian was caring for two tiny babies at once.
Active father involvement in premature birth care
Kenneth, too, showed up every single day. For four months, he was consistently present and actively involved in his babies’ care. He even provided Kangaroo Mother Care himself. This highlights the powerful role that fathers play in maternal healthcare, especially during moments of fragility.
But the journey was far from easy. At one point, the twins’ weights dropped to a frightening 550 grams and 500 grams. But through the dedication of the KNH medical team and lots of breastfeeding, hopes and prayers, the babies slowly began to gain weight. Grams turned into more grams, lifting the spirits of the parents and the medical team.
Walking out of hospital as a family of four
By the time they were ready for discharge, Twin One weighed 1,830 grams, while Twin Two weighed 1,790 grams. This was such incredible progress from their earlier weights of 750 grams and 650 grams.
Finally, on 20 January 2026, after more than four months in hospital, Kenneth and Vivian walked out of Kenyatta National Hospital with both their babies alive and well. Their journey also marked a historic milestone: it is the first documented case at KNH where extremely preterm twins were delivered and survived to discharge.
The couple and part of the medical team at KNH. Photo courtesy: Kenyatta National Hospital.
This is such a warm, encouraging, and uplifting story. Congratulations to the KNH team, and to Vivian, Kenneth, and their twins. Here at Mummy Tales, we share stories like this because they matter. Because behind every preterm statistic is a parent hoping against hope, babies fighting for their lives, and medical teams who similarly do their best for positive outcomes.
We wish Vivian, Kenneth, and their beautiful babies continued good health and a future filled with many joyful milestones.
Do you have a premature birth story to tell? If you’d like to share your story, email me on maryanne@mummytales.com
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
Diana A. Otieno is a 36-year-old mother of two boys aged 4 and 10 years. An entrepreneur based in Nairobi, Diana recently published her new book titled: ‘The Strength We Share: Lessons and Miracles from the World of Prematurity’ which captures her journey as a mother of a premature baby. In the book, she also weaves in the experiences of other Kenyan mothers who have walked the same path with their preemie babies.
When I finished reading the book, I immediately knew that I wanted to share more details about it with my Mummy Tales readers. It was an easy, short read which I completed in just under two hours. As I turned the pages, I found the stories to be quite relatable, as in them, I could recognize the experiences of people I know -my relatives, colleagues, friends, and neighbours. This is a book that any mom would find comforting and uplifting, and I encourage you to consider getting a copy for yourself or gifting it to someone who needs the encouragement, especially a preemie mom.
Beyond the stories, I was also curious to learn more about Diana herself. I wanted to know more about what inspired her to write this book, and what she hopes it will achieve.
The book costs KES 1,000. You can get it from Nuria or Kibanga bookstores, or you may order it directly from Diana on +254 740 845 798.
Below is my short interview with Diana.
Maryanne:What inspired you to write this book?
Diana: ‘The Strength We Share: Lessons and Miracles from the World of Prematurity’ was inspired by my journey with my son and our time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It was a deeply traumatizing experience but through it, I began to heal and recognize my own strength. I wrote this book to remind NICU mothers that they are not alone and to share the stories of others, highlighting the resilience, courage, and strength we share. Today, my 10-year-old son is thriving, and that remains my greatest victory.
Diana A. Otieno’s sons playing together in a recent photo.
Maryanne:When did the idea first come to you?
Diana: The idea had been on my mind since 2017, but at the time I didn’t feel worthy of sharing it. I struggled with imposter syndrome and was still navigating life as a new mother. In 2024, I revisited the idea more intentionally. I began writing my own story and later felt compelled to include the stories of other mothers as well, realizing that our shared experiences were meant to be told.
Maryanne: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a preemie mom?
Diana: One of the biggest challenges was the emotional and mental toll, the constant fear, guilt, and uncertainty, especially as my son’s heart condition and later speech delays deeply affected my mental health and made me feel like I had failed him. Physically, recovery was demanding, while societal judgment added another painful layer, with people making harsh assumptions without understanding my reality. Financially, managing his medical needs, particularly his heart condition, was extremely draining.
Maryanne: What kind of support made a difference for you at that time? What support do you wish had been more available?
The support that made the biggest difference for me came from other mums in Preemie Love, a support group of women who truly understood the journey. Support also came from my family, who have been unwaveringly supportive. What I wish had been more available is consistent psychosocial support for NICU mothers, so that even after leaving the hospital, someone could follow up, visit, and assist with feeding, bathing, or general care. Imagine being at home as a first-time mom with a 1.8 kg baby; it can feel completely overwhelming without that kind of hands-on support.
Maryanne: As a preemie mom, what small wins have given you strength along the way?
Diana: My son started talking at five years old, which has been the greatest victory of all. With speech came independence, better understanding, and less worry about him wandering off, making everyday life so much easier.
Maryanne: Why did you feel it was important to share your journey publicly?
Diana: I felt it was important to share my journey because silence often makes pain heavier. Many NICU mothers suffer quietly, feeling unseen and misunderstood, and I wanted my story to remind them that they are not alone. By speaking openly, I hoped to challenge the stigma around premature birth and turn my personal healing into a message of collective strength—the strength we share.
Maryanne: What did writing your story do for you?
Diana: Writing my story was deeply healing. It allowed me to process the pain, fear, and trauma I had carried for so long, and to acknowledge my own strength in ways I hadn’t before. It brought clarity, helping me make sense of the journey and see how far we had come. Sharing it also gave me a sense of purpose, knowing that my experiences could inspire and comfort other NICU mothers.
On the left is Diana holding her preemie son.
Maryanne: Why did you feel it was important to include stories from other mothers of preterm babies?
Diana: I felt it was important to include stories from other mothers of preterm babies to show that my experience is not isolated. Including their journeys highlights the shared struggles, resilience, and strength of NICU mothers, reminding everyone that no one has to face this journey alone.
Maryanne: How did you select the mothers whose stories appear in the book?
Diana: I did so by reaching out through Preemie Love WhatsApp groups, inviting NICU mums who were willing to share their experiences. I also personally reached out to friends with whom I had walked the preemie journey. In total, I featured 10 mothers whose stories reflect a range of experiences and challenges.
Maryanne: What do you hope readers can understand about preterm motherhood through these shared voices?
Diana: I want readers to understand that prematurity is nobody’s fault and that we should extend grace to NICU mothers and those with special needs children. Instead of constantly judging other mothers as inadequate, we should recognize the challenges they face and honour the strength and resilience required to care for their little ones.
Maryanne: What message would you give to a mother who is currently going through the NICU experience?
Diana: I would say to them: you did nothing wrong, and you have not failed your child. You are not alone. Hold on to hope, even in the hardest moments. Love your child no matter what, because it is from that love that they draw the strength to survive and thrive.
Maryanne: If your younger self, who was still in the thick of the NICU journey could read your book today, what do you think she would feel?
Diana: I think she would feel seen, understood, and less alone. She might also feel a sense of hope and reassurance, knowing that the pain and struggles she was going through would eventually lead to healing, growth, and strength. Most of all, I believe she would feel proud of how far we have come.
Maryanne: How has your premature journey shaped you as a mother?
Diana: My premature journey has taught me so much and shaped me into a more informed and attentive mother. I have learned about the conditions that can arise from prematurity and the importance of asking doctors questions and doing my own research to make informed decisions. With my second child, I knew so much that doctors sometimes thought I was a medic. I have also learned to support other mums by helping them recognize signs that may require medical attention in their children.
Maryanne: Have you heard from readers so far? What responses have touched you?
Diana: Many readers have told me that my book made them cry and that some of the stories were very sad. Yet, they also said the stories gave them a new perspective on motherhood and the challenges some mothers face. For some readers who had never encountered a preemie mom, the stories were deeply touching and emotionally moving. Even my own mom suggested that my next book should be about something happier, because writing this one was honestly very depressing for me.
Maryanne: What do you hope this book contributes to the conversation around maternal health and prematurity in Kenya?
Diana: I hope this book contributes to the conversation around maternal health and prematurity in Kenya by raising awareness about the realities NICU mothers face, both in and out of the hospital. I want it to challenge stigma and judgment, highlight the need for emotional, psychosocial, and financial support, and inspire more empathy and understanding for mothers of preterm and special needs children. Ultimately, I hope it encourages a culture of care, grace, and shared strength for all mothers.
I would also like mothers, families, and healthcare providers to take away the importance of empathy, understanding, and support. Every NICU journey is unique, and even small gestures of care can make a huge difference. To mothers, I want them to know they are not alone and that their strength matters. To families and healthcare providers, I hope my story highlights the need for patience, grace, and consistent support for both the child and the mother, even long after leaving the hospital.
Maryanne: Where can we get your book ‘The Strength We Share: Lessons and Miracles from the World of Prematurity’?
Diana: People can get my book from three platforms:
Diana: Thank you for choosing to share my story. I am deeply honoured that my journey and the experiences of other NICU mothers can reach and inspire others.
So that’s a little bit of Diana and her book. Thank you Diana for taking the time to speak with me and allowing Mummy Tales to spotlight your meaningful work.
Are you a Kenyan woman author who would like to be featured on the Mummy Tales blog? You may write to me at maryanne@mummytales.com
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
As 2025 ends, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on this year -the Wanjiku Kumbukumbuseries by Mummy Tales. In this series, I shared the names and faces of some of the Kenyan mothers who tragically lost their lives during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after giving birth this year. What remains clear from these women’s stories is that even in this day and age, maternal mortality is still a very real and painful reality in Kenya.
The Kenyan mothers whose deaths came too soon in 2025 had different backgrounds and profiles. Some were young mothers, first-time-mothers, experienced mothers, career women, homemakers, businesswomen… We got to learn about what happened to them through the words of their husbands, mothers, fathers, sisters, friends, colleagues, and relatives. Sadly, most of these deaths were preventable. Today, their families are still grieving, wondering what went wrong and what could have been done differently.
The late Vanessa Wanjiku. Photo: Screengrab – K24TV
Each story in the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series not only helped to raise awareness about maternal health, but also reminded us that behind every statistic is a woman who had life going on for her, a family that loved her, and dreams she wanted to achieve. She had a bright future which sadly, ended rather prematurely.
The reasons why Kenyan mothers died
Every day, 13 women in Kenya lose their lives to pregnancy-related complications. A number that is too too high. This is despite decades of interventions which include government programs, advocacy and thousands of NGO projects. Through the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series, I captured the stories of:
Mothers who bled to death after delivery (post-partum haemorrhage)
Mothers who didn’t survive high blood pressure complications (preeclampsia)
Mothers who didn’t survive caesarean section complications
Mothers who died because of delays in accessing quality care (even within the hospital)
Mothers whose families are still searching for answers
Below are the women whose names and faces that I captured in the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series in 2025. Their stories represent those of other mothers who lost their lives this year.
Docras Nzisa (25) who succumbed to caesarean section complications
Beyond 2025, I will continue with the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series because I believe that continually raising awareness about maternal health through storytelling is important. It keeps reminding us of the gravity of the situation, in the hope that we can do better for Kenya’s mothers because every woman deserves to survive childbirth. I hope that the stories will:
Show that maternal deaths are not just about statistics. This is because behind each number is a beautiful woman who has left behind a huge gap
Get people to act on matters that will ensure that fewer families experience the pain that comes with losing a mother to childbirth complications
Inspire collective advocacy and accountability in our health systems, policy spaces, in our families and in the communities. Especially considering that most maternal deaths are preventable
Many thanks to every reader who followed this series, made a comment, shared the articles, reached out with information, or simply took a moment to reflect. Your reading, sharing, and engagement throughout the year helped amplify the voices of these women and their families. Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu project.
As we step into a new year, I pray that we will carry the memory of these mothers with us. I hope that their stories will strengthen our resolve to ensure that future mothers will live to raise their children.
I invite you to join me in this journey. If you would like to support the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu project, please reach me on maryanne@mummytales.com
Sincerely, Maryanne W. Waweru –Founder,Mummy Tales
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
Nancy Wanjiru Waithaka. Photo: Kenyatta National Hospital.
Pregnancy is often described as a beautiful journey, but for some women, it can also be one filled with fear and uncertainty. This is Nancy’s story, which will give hope to any woman going through a difficult pregnancy journey.
When 15-week pregnant Nancy Wanjiru Waithaka was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), she was battling not just an ordinary pregnancy complication, but a rare and dangerous condition known as bilateral pheochromocytoma.
Bilateral pheochromocytoma is a tumor that causes dangerously high surges of adrenaline –the kind that can push blood pressure to life-threatening levels. For Nancy, this diagnosis was saddening. The condition did not only threaten her life, but also that of her unborn baby. However, she was determined to fight for her baby. Thankfully, the team of medics at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) were, too.
Life-saving care at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
Nancy’s treatment included care under a multidisciplinary team of specialists from KNH’s materno-fetal unit, urology care, endocrinology, and cardiac anaesthesiology departments.
For six months, they walked with Nancy in her treatment journey. The medical care included balancing her hormonal levels, controlling dangerous blood pressure spikes, and closely monitoring both she and her baby through several ICU stays.
Then, at 26 weeks of pregnancy, the doctors performed a complex and delicate surgery that included removing the adrenal tumors (one partially, one completely). It was a risky procedure, but one which was necessary to save her life and her baby’s.
A miraculous birth
Finally, after months filled with great tension, months of close monitoring and round-the-clock care, Nancy safely delivered her baby boy through a Caesarean section at 33 weeks and five days.
Holding her little one for the first time was a moment she will never forget.
“I was blessed with my boy, and so happy to see him and hold him. It’s a miracle,” she said with a radiant smile.
Today, both mother and baby are doing well. Congratulations to Nancy and the dedicated team of doctors and support staff at Kenyatta National Hospital who made this miracle happen.
May her story inspire every pregnant woman having a difficult pregnancy. May your journey end well, just like Nancy’s.
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
In today’s digital age, it is very important that children learn how to effectively communicate with a computer which in other words, is called ‘coding’. And the earlier they learn how to code, the better for them since it sets them up for their future success -both in academics, their life skills, and in the workforce.
So, I thought of putting together a list of coding schools in Nairobi where your children can access coding skills. This list is not exhaustive, so if there’s any that I’ve left out you can let me know in the comments section below and I’ll add it.
Class Measures Limited (Kevin Muriuki) 0712 675 858
Ndehi Karonjo 0722 734 085
Did I miss out on others? Leave their names, links to website and telephone number in the comments section below and I’ll update the list. You can also email me on maryanne@mummytales.com
NB: This post has been updated from the original one published in 2021.
Mummy Talesis a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l INSTAGRAM l TWITTER
The late Dorcas Nzisa Kariuki. Photo -screengrab: Kerax Media Production.
This article highlights the maternal death of Dorcas Nzisa Kariuki, a young Kenyan mother who passed away after developing complications from a caesarean section delivery. This is story 12 in the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series by Mummy Tales, an initiative that is documenting maternal deaths in Kenya.
Dorcas Nzisa Kariuki was born on 26 July 2000 in Kauwi, Kitui County. Sadly, Dorcas passed away on Sunday, 31 August 2025, after developing complications following a caesarean section. Though she successfully delivered her second child -a beautiful baby girl, Dorcas, unfortunately, did not make it.
Dorcas was a young mother who was full of ambition and purpose. Through her blog, Mdosi Online, she used her voice to inform, inspire, and empower others, touching the lives of many with her words and positivity. Dorcas had a bright future, with so much to achieve. Sadly, childbirth complications took her away.
Maternal deaths in Kenya
Every day, 13 Kenyan women die from pregnancy-related and childbirth complications. But these women are more than just numbers in a report. They are daughters, sisters, friends, and mothers. They are women with dreams, laughter, and love. Women like Dorcas, who had so much more life to live.
It shouldn’t be this way though. No woman should lose her life while giving life. So let’s continue to raise awareness, demand better maternal healthcare, and support initiatives that ensure every woman in Kenya can experience safe pregnancy and childbirth.
Documenting maternal deaths in Kenya
The unfortunate death of Dorcas is the twelfth account in the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series by Mummy Tales,an initiative that is focused on documenting maternal deaths in Kenya to raise awareness about the issue and advocate for better maternal health. The project aims to memorialize Kenyan mothers we have lost to childbirth complications.
If you would like to share information about a mother who has lost her life due to maternal health complications in 2025, or if you would like to support the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu project by Mummy Tales, please reach me at maryanne@mummytales.com
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
A team of dedicated surgeons and medical staff at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have given a 17-year-old girl the gift of a normal life. In a landmark procedure believed to be the largest of its kind in the world, the team successfully removed 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue from Lydia Musivi, who suffered from a severe and rare condition known as gigantomastia.
17-year-old Lydia Musivi from Mwingi, Kitui County, can now smile again, thanks to a dedicated team of doctors at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) who performed a record-breaking surgery that has changed her life forever.
For 18 months, Lydia lived with a rare condition known as gigantomastia, which caused her breasts to grow uncontrollably. The weight, which was equivalent to 37% of her body mass, made her every movement to be excruciatingly painful. Walking, standing, and even breathing were a struggle for the teenager. Sadly, Lydia had to drop out of school as the weight of the burden she was carrying was too much.
But on September 22, 2025, Lydia’s life turned around. A team of doctors led by Dr. Benjamin Wabwire, Head of Specialized Surgery and Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at KNH, in a highly complex surgery successfully removed 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue from her. This is a world record for the largest gigantomastia surgery ever performed.
When Lydia woke up from the 11-hour surgery, she said she felt “free, lighter, and ready to return to school.” Her dream of becoming a high school teacher also seemed possible again.
The relief was also felt by her mother, Naomi Mutendwa, who had spent months searching for help as she witnessed her daughter’s health and confidence fade away.
“I watched my daughter disappear under the weight of this illness. We felt hopeless until we were referred to KNH from Garissa County Referral Hospital. The KNH team saw the girl, not just the condition. They didn’t just treat her; they gave me back my daughter. They have given her a second chance at life,” she said.
Lydia has now been discharged and is recovering well. Come January 2026, she plans to return to school and continue with her studies, her dream of becoming a teacher stronger than ever.
Have you or someone you know faced a life-changing medical journey? Share your experience in the comments or email me at maryanne@mummytales.com -your story could inspire another woman to keep going.
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
At only 23 years old, Stacy Adhiambo faced every mother’s worst nightmare; a childbirth emergency that cost her her uterus. Despite following all medical advice and doing everything right, a series of delays and system failures during labor nearly claimed her life. Stacy’s story is a reminder of the urgent need to strengthen maternal healthcare in Kenya.
Stacy Adhiambo, a young mother from Homa Bay County in western Kenya, went through childbirth complications that changed her life forever. At just 23 years old, she lost her uterus despite having done ‘everything right’ during her pregnancy.
From the moment she discovered she was expecting, Stacy was thrilled. Her pregnancy was smooth, and she faithfully attended all her antenatal clinic appointments. She followed medical advice and took every precaution to ensure both her safety and that of her baby. Stacy eagerly looked forward to a safe delivery and a healthy baby.
When labour pains began, Stacy knew what to do. She went to Makongeni Sub-County Hospital, Homa Bay, at around 7am, where she was told she was already 9 cm dilated. However, her labour soon developed complications, prompting an emergency referral to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital (HBTRH).
But what should have been a swift transfer turned into a harrowing ordeal. It took nearly an hour for the ambulance to arrive and when it finally did, it ran out of fuel just outside the hospital gate. Stacy was forced to pay KSh 1,000 (about USD 7.80) so that the driver could fetch fuel by motorbike. This caused yet another 30-minute delay.
By the time she reached HBTRH at around 10:30am, Stacy was in immense pain. At midday, she was fully dilated but still unable to deliver. Doctors recommended an emergency caesarean section. Yet even then, she had to wait several more hours because no surgical team was immediately available. Stacy only entered the operating theatre at 5pm.
Uterine rupture in Kenya
While her baby was safely delivered, Stacy’s ordeal was far from over. She began bleeding profusely due to a uterine rupture, a life-threatening complication. Doctors had no choice but to perform an emergency subtotal hysterectomy. This is a procedure that involves removal of the uterus while leaving the cervix intact, primarily to save the mother’s life.
As Stacy was moved from the recovery room to the ward, she faced yet another challenge: there was no blood available for transfusion. In desperation, she and her family had to mobilize friends and relatives to donate blood, as the hospital also scrambled to source some.
Maternal health in Kenya
Stacy’s experience is a painful reminder of how multiple small delays can add up to life-threatening consequences. A lack of ambulance fuel, delayed surgery, staff shortages, and inadequate blood supplies all compounded to create a near-tragic outcome.
Her story underscores the reality that even when a woman does ‘everything right’ during pregnancy, systemic failures within the healthcare system can still lead to devastating results.
Thankfully, Stacy survived to tell her story. Many other mothers are not as fortunate.
If you would like to share information about maternal health in Kenya, you may reach me at maryanne@mummytales.com
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
The late Eunice Njoki. Photo: screengrab, Citizen TV Kenya
This article highlights the maternal death of 27-year-old Eunice Njoki Mborothi, who passed away after developing childbirth complications in a Nairobi hospital. This is story eleven in the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series by Mummy Tales, an initiative that is documenting maternal deaths in Kenya.
Eunice Njoki Mborothi, 27, and her husband eagerly awaited the birth of their third child. According to her husband, Samuel, she diligently attended her antenatal clinics at Kayole II Level 4 Hospital in Nairobi. The facility had also assured the couple that it was fully equipped to manage her delivery, and she was booked to give birth there.
Samuel recalls that the doctors had identified Njoki’s pregnancy as high-risk from as early as her third month. Because of this, the medical team monitored her closely throughout her pregnancy. By the time her delivery date arrived, she had been given a clean bill of health, giving reassurance to the young couple as they prepared to welcome their baby.
On 30 August 2025, Njoki delivered a healthy baby girl. However, moments after childbirth, she began to bleed heavily. Despite the prior awareness of her high-risk status and the reassurances that her delivery would be well-managed, Samuel says the team at Kayole II Level 4 Hospital appeared unprepared for the emergency.
Njoki was then referred to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, located about five kilometres away. Sadly, less than an hour after her arrival, Samuel was informed that his wife had passed away.
Could Njoki’s death have been prevented?
Watch Samuel’s narration of the events below.
The unfortunate death of Njoki is the eleventh account in the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series by Mummy Tales,an initiative that is focused on documenting maternal deaths in Kenya to raise awareness about the issue and advocate for better maternal health. The project aims to memorialize Kenyan mothers we have lost to childbirth complications.
If you would like to share information about a mother who has lost her life due to maternal health complications in 2025, or if you would like to support the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu project by Mummy Tales, please reach me at maryanne@mummytales.com
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
The late Phyllis Wanjiru, who succumbed to caesarean section complications. Photo courtesy: Joseph Wanyonyi on X.
This article highlights the maternal death of Phyllis Wanjiru, a young Kenyan mother who passed away after developing complications from a caesarean section delivery. This is story ten in the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series by Mummy Tales, an initiative that is documenting maternal deaths in Kenya.
Every day, 13 women in Kenya lose their lives to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. Each day, 13 families are left grieving the loss of a loved one who died while bringing new life into the world. One such family is that of 33-year-old Phyllis Wanjiru, who tragically passed away on 10 September 2025 from childbirth complications.
According to her husband, Joseph Wanyonyi, Phyllis developed complications after undergoing a caesarean section at St. Teresa Hospital in Kikuyu, Kiambu County. He says that while his wife successfully delivered their beautiful baby girl, she began bleeding heavily after the surgery, an emergency situation that necessitated her transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Sadly, Phyllis did not survive.
A postmortem conducted on 15 September 2025 revealed that Phyllis died from excessive bleeding. She likely suffered postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) -severe blood loss after childbirth. PPH is the leading cause of maternal deaths in Kenya. Sadly, most PPH-related deaths are preventable.
Wanyonyi has since accused St. Teresa Hospital, Kikuyu of alleged medical negligence. He believes his wife’s death could have been prevented. The matter is now under investigation.
Deaths from caesarean sections in Kenya
Phyllis’s story is not an isolated tragedy. Just two weeks ago, Faith Binzali, 26, similarly died from caesarean section complications at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Health Center in Kangemi, Nairobi County. Postmortem results revealed that Faith died from hypoxia (lack of oxygen), likely caused by the anaesthetic drug administered on her.
The deaths of these two young mothers are a sad, stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen maternal healthcare systems in Kenya. This, in a bid to ensure that no woman dies while giving life, and that no family has to endure such heartbreak.
The unfortunate death of Phyllis is the tenth account in the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu series by Mummy Tales,an initiative that is focused on documenting maternal deaths in Kenya to raise awareness about the issue and advocate for better maternal health. The project aims to memorialize Kenyan mothers we have lost to childbirth complications.
If you would like to share information about a mother who has lost her life due to maternal health complications in 2025, or if you would like to support the Wanjiku Kumbukumbu project by Mummy Tales, please reach me at maryanne@mummytales.com
Mummy Talesby Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan momshere. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK lYOU TUBE l TWITTER
Mummy Tales by Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l TWITTER
