Editor's Review

The service will enable expectant mothers to access transport quickly in case of emergencies.

The Kenyan government and the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Safaricom, M-PESA Foundation and Vodafone Foundation have partnered to launch a mobile maternity transport service known as m-mama in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 21, the government stated that the service will enable expectant mothers to access transport quickly in case of emergencies.

“m-mama is an emergency referral system that swiftly transports pregnant women and newborns facing complications to quality healthcare facilities. A clinically trained dispatcher manages the referrals and confirms facility availability to ensure women/newborns in emergency situations can be promptly managed,” read the statement in part.

File image of Health CS Susan Nakhumicha and Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.


The state also noted that the program will recruit and train locals to be able to provide additional emergency transport when ambulances are unavailable.

“The program also recruits and trains local car owners to provide additional emergency transport options when ambulances are unavailable, ensuring greater availability of transport for m-mama patients,” the statement added.

The government also stated that the service will be accessible through a free phone landline and mobile number.