Maternal and Child Health Takes Focus at Mama and Baby Care Expo 2026 in Nairobi
Maternal and child health stakeholders gathered in Nairobi for the opening of the Mama and Baby Care Expo 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The event brought together healthcare professionals, development partners, innovators, exhibitors and families to discuss solutions that support maternal, newborn and child health in Kenya.
The Expo was opened on behalf of the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni Muriuki. The Principal Secretary was represented by Dr. Grace Ikahu, Senior Director of Medical Services, who delivered the official speech on her behalf.
In the message read at the event, the Principal Secretary commended the organisers, Global Exhibitions Inc. and MIE Events DMCC, for establishing a platform dedicated to maternal, newborn and child health. She noted that the Expo comes at a critical time as Kenya continues strengthening its healthcare systems and improving health outcomes for mothers, infants and young children.
The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards operates under the Ministry of Health (Kenya) and plays a key role in safeguarding public health through regulatory oversight, quality assurance, and strong public health systems.
According to the message, maternal and child health remains one of the most important indicators of the strength and performance of a country’s health system.
The government continues to prioritise safe pregnancy and childbirth while ensuring that every child receives a healthy start to life. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen maternal and newborn care services across counties while improving access to healthcare services for families.
Among the key priorities highlighted in the speech was the expansion of healthcare services under the Universal Health Coverage (Kenya) programme, which seeks to ensure that all Kenyans can access quality and affordable healthcare without financial hardship.
The Ministry is also focusing on strengthening immunisation coverage and child health programmes across the country. These initiatives are designed to protect children from preventable diseases while promoting long term health and wellbeing.
The message further emphasised the importance of improving nutrition, supporting early childhood development and promoting family wellness as part of the broader national public health agenda. Improving the standards of healthcare professionals and ensuring quality service delivery in health facilities was also highlighted as a key priority.
The Expo was described as an important platform that connects policy, innovation and community engagement in one space. It provides an opportunity for healthcare providers, innovators and industry players to showcase technologies and solutions that can improve maternal and neonatal care.
The gathering also offers a space for partnerships between government institutions, healthcare providers, innovators and development partners to strengthen collaboration in addressing maternal and child health challenges.
Another important aspect of the Expo is educating families and communities about preventive healthcare, antenatal care, safe delivery practices, nutrition and early childhood development.
These areas remain essential in improving health outcomes for mothers and children across the country.
The Ministry expressed hope that the Expo will increase awareness among families about maternal and newborn health and encourage stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, innovators and policymakers.
The platform is also expected to stimulate investment and innovation in maternal and child healthcare services, helping to ensure that high quality healthcare solutions reach families across Kenya.
Participants at the Expo were encouraged to actively engage in discussions, share knowledge and explore partnerships that can contribute to strengthening healthcare delivery in the country.
The Ministry also welcomed the opportunity to work closely with organisers, healthcare professionals and development partners represented at the event to ensure that ideas and innovations emerging from the Expo translate into real improvements in healthcare services across counties.
Among leaders present at the event was Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who joined other stakeholders in supporting initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health services.
The Expo continues to serve as a platform where families, healthcare professionals and innovators interact while exploring new approaches to maternal care, baby care products, parenting support services and healthcare solutions designed to support mothers and young children.
