Dr. Muruka Kays returns to JOOTRH as Western Kenya’s first maternal-fetal medicine specialist

KENYA—Expectant mothers in Western Kenya facing high-risk pregnancies now have renewed hope following the arrival of Dr. Muruka Kays, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Specialist, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

His return marks a significant step forward in improving maternal healthcare across the Nyanza, Kakamega, and greater Western Kenya regions.

Dr. Kays, who previously served JOOTRH as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, returns after completing two years of specialized training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

His expertise introduces a much-needed medical subspecialty that focuses on the health and well-being of both mother and baby before, during, and shortly after pregnancy.

This milestone makes Dr. Kays the first MFM specialist to practice within the region, filling a critical gap in advanced obstetric care.

Chronic medical conditions currently rank as the second leading cause of maternal mortality in Kenya.

Among these, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy remain particularly severe, often leading to life-threatening complications for both mothers and their unborn children.

Dr. Kays emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, continuous monitoring, and timely intervention to improve outcomes for such high-risk pregnancies.

“Women with chronic conditions stand to benefit greatly from specialist care that ensures both safety and continuity throughout pregnancy,” Dr. Kays said during his official welcome at JOOTRH.

He was received by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, who commended the milestone as a major leap in women’s health for the region.

Dr. Kays’ expertise will be particularly valuable in managing pregnancies involving heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorders.

He will also support women with conditions such as sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and obesity-related complications, as well as cancer survivors who wish to conceive.

 “My goal is to help these women experience safe pregnancies through early risk identification and prompt intervention,” he added.

To ensure smooth integration of this specialized service, the hospital’s Department of Obstetrics has established a dedicated Maternal-Fetal Medicine clinic scheduled every Monday.

The clinic will provide advanced ultrasound evaluations, detailed medical reviews, personalized counseling, and multidisciplinary consultations.

 It is designed to offer comprehensive care that supports both mothers and babies through every stage of pregnancy.

JOOTRH management has urged women across Western Kenya to take advantage of these new services, which were previously unavailable in public hospitals within the region.

 The introduction of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the facility represents a significant advancement in bridging healthcare disparities and expanding access to specialized maternal care.