Until 1926, Nairobi lacked specialized healthcare facilities for African mothers and children. The colonial government’s disregard for the health of African women stemmed from considering them non-essential members of the urban space. Nairobi’s original design did not account for African residents who were perceived as temporary inhabitants, permitted to reside in the town solely as registered labourers. As such, the available jobs primarily attracted African men, while women were expected to remain in rural areas. Despite this, women’s pivotal roles in jobs such as childcare in European homes and caregiving in hospitals were undeniable. Consequently, many women resided in Nairobi, often seeking assistance from traditional birthing attendants for their medical needs. For them, this was the only option that met their gynaecological needs.
A Pioneering Initiative
To rectify this disparity and enhance healthcare for African women, a movement was initiated in 1926 by the East Africa Women’s League (EAWL) officials. Comprising mainly British women, many of whom were married to colonial administrators, the league aimed to extend maternal services across racial lines. This effort was embraced by Lady Grigg, the wife of Edward Grigg, Kenya’s Governor from 1925 to 1931. She established a child welfare league to raise funds, even organizing a ball at the Government House (now State House).
Lady Grigg’s endeavour came to fruition in October 1926 when she laid the foundation stone for an African maternity hospital. Pumwani was chosen as its location, as it was one of the racially segregated neighbourhoods and was therefore accessible to Africans living in other areas of Eastlands. The name “Pumwani,” derived from “pumua” (to breathe in Swahili), symbolically aligned with the hospital’s aspirations for newborns and for new mothers to breathe during labour. By 1928, the hospital’s first permanent structure was completed, and it was named Lady Grigg Pumwani Maternity Hospital, initially equipped with 27 beds.
Progress Amid Challenges
In 1944, the Municipal Council of Nairobi took over the hospital’s management, sparking a period of substantial expansion. Bed capacity nearly tripled, and annual deliveries surged. Infrastructure developed to accommodate the growing demand, and the original maternity building was repurposed into a School of Midwifery Studies and a Nurses Hostel. Further advancements occurred in 1969, with President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta inaugurating a new hospital unit, featuring 117 beds, an operating theatre, and a modern neonatal unit.
Following independence, Pumwani Hospital experienced a decline in service quality, marked by alleged medical malpractice resulting in maternal and infant mortality. This prompted a much-needed overhaul in May 2019, focusing on structural and management improvements. Comprehensive changes included rigorous maternal audits, construction of state-of-the-art cold rooms, an oxygen plant, advanced delivery units, and additional delivery wards. These enhancements led to a significant transformation, culminating in a remarkable achievement: eight consecutive months without maternal deaths as of July 2022, despite conducting 1,700 monthly deliveries.
A Beacon of Maternal Care
Today, Pumwani Maternity Hospital stands as a crucial hub for expectant mothers, equipped with 354 obstetric beds and 144 baby cots. Pumwani Maternity’s history, once marked by alleged neglect and challenges, now reflects resilience and progress. As it continues to improve and live up to the meaning of its name, Pumwani Maternity Hospital radiates hope, demonstrating that dedicated efforts can transform healthcare and reshape narratives.
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