Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects 2011/2012: Japanese Grant Provides Long-waited Maternity ward in Masai Land

Japanese Grant Provides Long-waited Maternity ward in Masai Land

Date

14th March 2011

Location

Harambee House, Nairobi

Project title

The Project for the Expansion of Mosiro Dispensary

Amount

US$ 104,737

Attendance

• Mr. Toshihisa Takata, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kenya
• Hon. George Saitoti, Member of Parliament and Minister of Internal Security and Foreign Affairs
• Mosiro Dispensary Representatives
• Media groups

Totaling about 20 participants

Main activity

Ambassador Toshihisa Takata signed a grant contract with Mr. Peter Sankale, representing Mosiro Dispensary in Kajiado District to provide  assistance for the construction of maternity ward with grant amounting in 104,737 USD (equivalent to 8,274,223KSH*). Mosiro area Member of Parliament and Minister of Internal Security and Foreign Affairs, Hon. George Saitoti witnessed the ceremony in Harambee House, Nairobi.  

The fund from Japan aims to build a long-waited maternity facility in Mosiro, Kajiado where the nearest maternity facility is 90km away in Narok town. In this area, the delivery of newborns is done at home with the help of a mid-wife. The current Mosiro dispensary does not have enough space and equipment to facilitate the safe delivery of expectant mothers nor can not cope with emergency situations.

Although the residents in Mosiro and its environs still maintain traditional Maasai cultural practices and values, the need for modern medical facility is largely recognized. The Mosiro Dispensary, established in 1992, has been instrumental in advocating for safe delivery at home and at health facilities, through providing training of mid-wives and vaccinating children under five. However, the lack of an equipped facility was a major obstacle in providing proper services. Against this backdrop, the Government of Japan decided to fulfill the wishes of mothers and people in Mosiro community, Ambassador Takata said.