Christmas joy was felt in its purest form at Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, after eight healthy babies were delivered on Christmas Day, marking a remarkable milestone for the fast-growing county referral facility.
Gracing the occasion, the County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Janet Kurgat, joined mothers and healthcare workers in commemorating the special day.
“I am here courtesy of an invitation from the hospital management. I am extremely happy to celebrate Christmas with the mothers who delivered today and to welcome eight newborns — a clear sign of good management and dedication,” Kurgat said.
Drawing a powerful Christmas parallel, she added: “Jesus was born in a manger, a place where cows eat. But these mothers have delivered in a much better place — Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital.”
How many mothers gave birth on Christmas Day at Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital?
Kurgat revealed that the hospital attracts expectant mothers not only from Uasin Gishu County but also from neighbouring counties, owing to the high quality of services offered.
Hospital records indicate that Christmas Day deliveries rose from three babies in 2024 to eight in 2025.
“At this rate, by 2026 or 2027, we could be celebrating more than 20 babies born on Christmas Day,” she projected.
She noted that the facility records an average of 20 deliveries per day and over 600 per month — figures comparable to Nairobi’s Pumwani Maternity Hospital.
According to Kurgat, the hospital’s success is driven by strong county government support, modern medical equipment, and a firm commitment to safe motherhood.
“We have modern X-ray and ultrasound services, fully equipped laboratories, theatre services, a newborn unit, and even cancer screening and treatment. Our goal is zero maternal and newborn deaths,” she emphasized.
She also commended Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim for prioritising healthcare under the Nguzo Kumi development agenda, where health remains a core pillar.
Speaking during the celebrations, facility manager Helen Siria expressed gratitude as the hospital welcomed the Christmas babies.
“We thank God for allowing us to celebrate Christmas this year. From midnight to now, we have received eight babies — five girls and three boys,” she said with a smile.
How many newborns were welcomed at Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital on Christmas Day?
She noted that the number more than doubled last year’s Christmas deliveries. “When we celebrated Christmas after the hospital was launched in June 2024, we had only three babies. Today we have eight. We are grateful to the mothers who chose Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital,” she said.
Helen attributed the rising numbers to God’s grace, quality service delivery, and the hospital’s growing reputation as a referral centre.
“It is not because we are doing anything magical. We thank God for the grace. Dispensaries and health centres now refer mothers here even ahead of MTRH because of the expertise we have — doctors, gynaecologists, and specialists. That is why we continue to upscale our services,” she added.
She also thanked the County Government of Uasin Gishu for its continued support to health workers and efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Is Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital a good facility?
According to Ednah Rono, the Nurse in Charge of the Maternity Unit, the hospital has served over 5,000 mothers since its inception — a testament to staff dedication and the quality of services offered.
One of the mothers, Mary Wairimu, praised the county government and hospital staff for sharing Christmas with them.
“The services were amazing. We were treated with dignity and without any harassment. We truly felt cared for,” she said.
As carols echoed through the wards and newborn cries filled the air, Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital stood as a symbol of life, hope, and quality healthcare — a fitting place to welcome new souls on Christmas Day.
County leadership urged mothers to continue seeking services at the facility, calling on families to support new mothers and care for the newborns.
“Welcome to Mama Rachel Ruto. We love our mothers,” the message rang out — a Christmas greeting wrapped in care, compassion, and new beginnings.
