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Kenya launched a real-time digital system to track births under the 2026–2028 “Every Mother, Every Newborn Everywhere” initiative.
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Authorities aim to use real-time data to detect complications and allocate healthcare resources more efficiently.
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The system supports broader health digitalization and universal health coverage, with over 30 million people already registered.
Kenya is accelerating the digitalization of its healthcare system to improve maternal and neonatal care. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, announced on Monday, March 23, the launch of a real-time birth tracking system.
The government introduced the system on the sidelines of an international conference on maternal health. Authorities deployed the initiative under the “Every Mother, Every Newborn Everywhere” program covering the 2026–2028 period.
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) March 23, 2026
The system integrates digital tools to monitor women during childbirth and newborns during their first days of life, which represent a critical phase. Authorities aim to detect complications quickly and direct interventions where needs are most urgent.
The system forms part of the national digital health strategy known as Digital Health Superhighway, which seeks to strengthen data-driven decision-making in healthcare.
Authorities can now access real-time information on births, healthcare facilities, and the causes of complications or deaths.
“We can now say, in real time, how many mothers have delivered, which facilities handled them and, in case of complications, identify the cause and context. This level of precision allows us to respond immediately and allocate resources where they are most needed,” the minister said.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with broader public service digitalization efforts in Kenya. The country recently launched a digital birth registry that allows hospitals to register children at birth, improving data reliability and access to essential services.
The rollout of these tools coincides with expanding health coverage in Kenya. More than 30 million people are currently registered with the Social Health Authority, which provides access to primary healthcare services.
This expansion is improving access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations. Early trends show increased use of prenatal services and assisted deliveries, along with reduced financial barriers for low-income households.
Authorities are also implementing targeted, high-impact interventions, particularly in managing obstetric emergencies, postpartum hemorrhage, and critical neonatal care.
However, maternal and neonatal mortality remain major challenges in Kenya, as in many countries. The introduction of digital monitoring aims to reduce preventable deaths by improving the quality and speed of care delivery.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
