Kiambu County Dismisses KMPDU Report on 136 Infant Deaths
The Kiambu County Government has rubbished reports by KMPDU that over 130 infants died in county hospitals between May and August this year.
The Kiambu County Government has refuted figures released by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) which claimed the county recorded 136 infant deaths in the last four months.
Health Chief Officer Patrick Nyagah, speaking to the press on Thursday, October 2, 2025, said official county records show only 53 deaths within that period. He gave a breakdown of the months: 16 in May, 14 in June, 9 in July and 14 in August.
Nyagah said the difference is because the union is including stillbirths and babies born before 21 weeks of pregnancy — cases that are recorded separately under national guidelines.
“Those patients, as critical as they are, will be reported here once they die. But anyone born before 21 weeks in this country’s healthcare system cannot survive. Such cases are not recorded under live births that later die,” he said.
The health officer said the county’s reporting process follows medical protocols and national health standards. He accused the union of inflating numbers without verification and misleading the public.
Nyagah also faulted KMPDU for not engaging in constructive dialogue with the county government as the doctors’ strike continues into its fourth month. The strike has disrupted healthcare services across the county, with maternal and child health the most affected areas.
Despite the challenges, Nyagah said the county will continue to be transparent and accountable in handling health data. His comments come at a time when Kenyans are demanding the government to roll out Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
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Kiambu County Dismisses KMPDU Report on 136 Infant Deaths