Justice for Daniel Muthiani a.k.a Sniper is Justice for Meru Youths

 

Daniel Muthiani, popularly known as Sniper, was a Meru-based blogger and political activist. He was reported missing on December 2, 2023, and his body was found in a river on December 16, 2023. A postmortem examination revealed that he had been strangled to death.

Sniper was known for his critical reporting on local politics, and he had been critical of a number of senior politicians in Meru County. He had also been threatened on several occasions for his work.

In the days leading up to his disappearance, Sniper had been receiving calls from a man who claimed to be a senior politician. The man had offered to meet with Sniper and help him to change his political stance.

The police have arrested a man in connection with Sniper's murder. The man, who has not been named, is accused of calling Sniper and luring him to a meeting where he was killed.

Here are some of the details of Sniper's murder:

• He was reported missing on December 2, 2023.
• His body was found on December 16, 2023.
• He had marks on his neck and other injuries that suggested he had been strangled and tortured.

The postmortem examination revealed that he died of strangulation.

Sniper's murder has sparked outrage in Meru County. Politicians and activists have called for a swift and thorough investigation into the murder. The ‘assasination’ has been condemned by human rights groups and political leaders. They have called for a speedy investigation and the arrest of the perpetrators.

Here are some additional details about Sniper's life and work:

• He was born in Meru County in 1985.
• He studied journalism at the University of Nairobi.
• He started his blog in 2015.
• He was a member of the Kenya Bloggers Association.
• He was married and had two children. 

Daniel Muthiani will be laid to rest tomorrow 27th Dec 2023.

Sniper's murder is a reminder of the dangers that journalists and activists face in Kenya. It is important to remember his work and to continue to fight for freedom of speech and expression. #Justice4Sniper

Needle injury prevention by proper use of sharps containers

Sharps containers, also known as sharps disposal containers, are specialized boxes intended to hold and dispose of used needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects safely. They are impervious to punctures and leaks and contain locking mechanisms to prevent inadvertent exposure or spillage.

It is vitally important to use sharps containers for all disposable sharps to prevent bloodborne infections (BBIs) and needlestick injuries (NSIs) to healthcare workers, patients, and the public. When a contaminated sharp item pierces the skin or comes into touch with a mucous membrane, it can cause needle stick injuries, which not only cause pain but can also spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C viruses, and human immunodeficiency viruses.

Sharps disposal errors, such as throwing them away in ordinary garbage or leaving them exposed, increase the risk of NSIs. These injuries can have serious effects, such as BBI transmission, severe psychological discomfort, and even cost burden. Additionally, unsafe needle handling has a negative impact on the overall safety culture of a healthcare facility. When healthcare workers are not confident that their safety is being prioritized, they are more likely to make mistakes and experience accidents. This creates a dangerous environment for both patients and healthcare workers. Training healthcare workers on the precautions for needle stick injuries is paramount as it helps them to identify, handle, and dispose of sharps properly. 

In conclusion, by taking necessary precautions and proper use of sharp containers, healthcare facilities can help to prevent the negative consequences of unsafe needle handling and protect the health and safety of patients, healthcare workers, and the community.

The Mystery diagnosis with Epilepsy; Part 1

 Part 1

Disclaimer

The following content is based on true and recent events. It is written with purpose of self-awareness and gratification. None of the content listed is fictional or biased to stigmatize people living with neurological disorders neither to pursue any negligence as medical ethics are concerned. 

The Mysterious Disorder of Epilepsy

Living with undiagnosed medical symptoms can be a perplexing and unsettling experience. In this article, I will share the journey of how I was wrongly diagnosed with epilepsy at 32 years, detailing the initial symptoms that led me to seek medical help, the challenges encountered during the diagnostic process, and the profound impact of the misdiagnosis on my daily life. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the importance of self-awareness, the emotional toll of a misdiagnosis, and the eventual revelation of the true underlying condition.

How it all started

Saturday was a hard day with my weekend workouts. My hamstrings, gastrocs and trunk muscles were paining from the previous day strain. Checking my out-stocked drug cabinet, I borrowed a pain tab from my next-door friend. Oh! Only Tramadol-paracetamol combo tablet was then available, I could not forfeit pain relieve for the awful effects of tramadol.  

My Sunday morning started with a strange seizure episode that seemed to come out of nowhere. At first, I would feel a sudden sense of unease, followed by a tingling sensation that would spread throughout my body. These episodes lasted only a few minutes, but they left me feeling exhausted and confused. Things got scary when I lost my conscious and fell on way to the washroom, gratitude to family members who were with me during the episodes. With evidence of the incidence, my wife and sister got concerned and worried what had just happened.

Seeking medical help

Concerned about these unexplained experiences, I decided to seek medical help. I made an emergency appointment with my primary care physician and described my symptoms in detail. Despite my best attempts to explain what was happening, the doctor seemed unsure and referred me to a specialist. This meant getting an in-patient booking thus admission for specialist review, neurological monitoring and further evaluations. At this stage I would feel anxiety swelling up my little sparkling brain.

Medical Evaluation: The process of seeking a diagnosis

Initial medical examinations

Upon visiting the specialist, I underwent a series of initial medical examinations. They checked my reflexes, conducted neurological tests, reviewed my medical history, did several audiological tests that included CT scans and even toxicology tests to rule out poisoning of drug use. Despite all the tests, no definitive answers were found. In view of previous seizure history, I was booked for neural HDU monitoring for at least 48 hours.

HDU care: Review with specialists

During the HDU stay days, the intensivist, perplexed by my symptoms, referred me to a team of experts, including neurologists and epileptologists. This consultation involved numerous discussions and additional examinations to unravel the mystery behind my episodes. 

Diagnostic tests and procedures

To further investigate, I underwent various diagnostic tests, including an electroencephalogram (EEG) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These tests aimed to rule out any underlying organic or inorganic neurological conditions and provide more insights into my mysterious episodes.

 

Mysterious Diagnosis of Epilepsy at 32 years

Receiving the mysterious diagnosis

After 48 hours of anticipation, I finally received a diagnosis – epilepsy. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. The news was overwhelming, and I couldn't help but question its accuracy. It felt like my world had been turned upside down, with a lifetime of uncertainties ahead. My grief and denial would not be masked anymore, it was the beginning of real emotional breakdown. Despite the support by the clinical team and close family, I would not get at peace. Next step was to discuss on the treatment and management plans.

Impact of treatment and medication for the mysterious diagnosis

With the epilepsy diagnosis in hand, I was prescribed Levetiracetam(Keppra 500mg) an anti-seizure medication. Unfortunately, these medications came with their own set of side effects, leaving me feeling even more out of sorts. Despite faithfully following the treatment plan, my episodes persisted, creating further doubts about the accuracy of the diagnosis. Apparently, these episodes happened sporadic during the night when the HCPs were off bedside; my cunning self-lead me not to report with fear of confirmation of the mysterious diagnosis. This was the point that I started the request for discharge from the facility.

Discharge with health education on the mysterious diagnosis

It was the discharge doctor’s round that a team of physicians and Nurses came to give a health education. They stated that; living with an epilepsy diagnosis meant making significant lifestyle adjustments. I had to be cautious about certain activities, avoid driving for a period of at least 3 years, avoid closed rooms-including bathrooms and toilets, no more swimming pools, no leisure drinks, and to disclose my condition to employers and loved ones.

These changes, prompted by a potentially incorrect diagnosis, added to the stress and uncertainty I already felt. With the impression of noncompliance and overwhelmed emotions the concerned team even proposed a psychologist follow up that I openly declined. The team even changed the medication from Levetiracetam 500mg to Carbamazepine200mg (Tegretol) that deemed to be more body friendly as far as the side effects were concerned.

 

Impact on Daily Life: The effects of the misdiagnosis

Side effects of unnecessary medication

Despite the medication adjustments, the unnecessary medication I was prescribed to treat the misdiagnosed epilepsy had its consequences. With few days of use, experienced drowsiness, loss of coordination, blurred vision, loss of recent memory, agitation, lack of concentration, and even mood swings. It felt like I was battling two conditions – the mysterious episodes themselves and the side effects of the medication. This was way too much to handle.

Emotional and psychological impact

The rollercoaster of emotions that accompanied the misdiagnosis and its aftermath took a toll on my mental well-being. The constant uncertainty, frustration, and confusion affected my mood and overall outlook on life. It was challenging to remain optimistic when faced with such a puzzling situation.

Interference with personal and professional life

The misdiagnosis not only impacted my personal life but also interfered with my professional endeavors. Anticipated frequent medical appointments, medication adjustments, and the need to disclose my condition to employers created additional stress and strain. It would be a constant juggling act to balance my health concerns with my responsibilities.

In the end, the misdiagnosis of epilepsy turned my life upside down, leading me down a confusing and frustrating path. But as I would soon discover, the journey towards finding the correct diagnosis had just begun. 

Stay tuned for the next chapter in my medical odyssey – the search for the truth.

The Mystery Diagnosis of Epilepsy

 Part 1

Disclaimer

The following content is based on true and recent events. It is written with purpose of self-awareness and gratification. None of the content listed is fictional or biased to stigmatize people living with neurological disorders neither to pursue any negligence as medical ethics are concerned. 

The Mysterious Disorder of Epilepsy

Living with undiagnosed medical symptoms can be a perplexing and unsettling experience. In this article, I will share the journey of how I was wrongly diagnosed with epilepsy at 32 years, detailing the initial symptoms that led me to seek medical help, the challenges encountered during the diagnostic process, and the profound impact of the misdiagnosis on my daily life. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the importance of self-awareness, the emotional toll of a misdiagnosis, and the eventual revelation of the true underlying condition.

How it all started

Saturday was a hard day with my weekend workouts. My hamstrings, gastrocs and trunk muscles were paining from the previous day strain. Checking my out-stocked drug cabinet, I borrowed a pain tab from my next-door friend. Oh! Only Tramadol-paracetamol combo tablet was then available, I could not forfeit pain relieve for the awful effects of tramadol.  

My Sunday morning started with a strange seizure episode that seemed to come out of nowhere. At first, I would feel a sudden sense of unease, followed by a tingling sensation that would spread throughout my body. These episodes lasted only a few minutes, but they left me feeling exhausted and confused. Things got scary when I lost my conscious and fell on way to the washroom, gratitude to family members who were with me during the episodes. With evidence of the incidence, my wife and sister got concerned and worried what had just happened.

Seeking medical help

Concerned about these unexplained experiences, I decided to seek medical help. I made an emergency appointment with my primary care physician and described my symptoms in detail. Despite my best attempts to explain what was happening, the doctor seemed unsure and referred me to a specialist. This meant getting an in-patient booking thus admission for specialist review, neurological monitoring and further evaluations. At this stage I would feel anxiety swelling up my little sparkling brain.

Medical Evaluation: The process of seeking a diagnosis

Initial medical examinations

Upon visiting the specialist, I underwent a series of initial medical examinations. They checked my reflexes, conducted neurological tests, reviewed my medical history, did several audiological tests that included CT scans and even toxicology tests to rule out poisoning of drug use. Despite all the tests, no definitive answers were found. In view of previous seizure history, I was booked for neural HDU monitoring for at least 48 hours.

HDU care: Review with specialists

During the HDU stay days, the intensivist, perplexed by my symptoms, referred me to a team of experts, including neurologists and epileptologists. This consultation involved numerous discussions and additional examinations to unravel the mystery behind my episodes. 

Diagnostic tests and procedures

To further investigate, I underwent various diagnostic tests, including an electroencephalogram (EEG) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These tests aimed to rule out any underlying organic or inorganic neurological conditions and provide more insights into my mysterious episodes.

 

Mysterious Diagnosis of Epilepsy at 32 years

Receiving the mysterious diagnosis

After 48 hours of anticipation, I finally received a diagnosis – epilepsy. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. The news was overwhelming, and I couldn't help but question its accuracy. It felt like my world had been turned upside down, with a lifetime of uncertainties ahead. My grief and denial would not be masked anymore, it was the beginning of real emotional breakdown. Despite the support by the clinical team and close family, I would not get at peace. Next step was to discuss on the treatment and management plans.

Impact of treatment and medication for the mysterious diagnosis

With the epilepsy diagnosis in hand, I was prescribed Levetiracetam(Keppra 500mg) an anti-seizure medication. Unfortunately, these medications came with their own set of side effects, leaving me feeling even more out of sorts. Despite faithfully following the treatment plan, my episodes persisted, creating further doubts about the accuracy of the diagnosis. Apparently, these episodes happened sporadic during the night when the HCPs were off bedside; my cunning self-lead me not to report with fear of confirmation of the mysterious diagnosis. This was the point that I started the request for discharge from the facility.

Discharge with health education on the mysterious diagnosis

It was the discharge doctor’s round that a team of physicians and Nurses came to give a health education. They stated that; living with an epilepsy diagnosis meant making significant lifestyle adjustments. I had to be cautious about certain activities, avoid driving for a period of at least 3 years, avoid closed rooms-including bathrooms and toilets, no more swimming pools, no leisure drinks, and to disclose my condition to employers and loved ones.

These changes, prompted by a potentially incorrect diagnosis, added to the stress and uncertainty I already felt. With the impression of noncompliance and overwhelmed emotions the concerned team even proposed a psychologist follow up that I openly declined. The team even changed the medication from Levetiracetam 500mg to Carbamazepine200mg (Tegretol) that deemed to be more body friendly as far as the side effects were concerned.

 

Impact on Daily Life: The effects of the misdiagnosis

Side effects of unnecessary medication

Despite the medication adjustments, the unnecessary medication I was prescribed to treat the misdiagnosed epilepsy had its consequences. With few days of use, experienced drowsiness, loss of coordination, blurred vision, loss of recent memory, agitation, lack of concentration, and even mood swings. It felt like I was battling two conditions – the mysterious episodes themselves and the side effects of the medication. This was way too much to handle.

Emotional and psychological impact

The rollercoaster of emotions that accompanied the misdiagnosis and its aftermath took a toll on my mental well-being. The constant uncertainty, frustration, and confusion affected my mood and overall outlook on life. It was challenging to remain optimistic when faced with such a puzzling situation.

Interference with personal and professional life

The misdiagnosis not only impacted my personal life but also interfered with my professional endeavors. Anticipated frequent medical appointments, medication adjustments, and the need to disclose my condition to employers created additional stress and strain. It would be a constant juggling act to balance my health concerns with my responsibilities.

In the end, the misdiagnosis of epilepsy turned my life upside down, leading me down a confusing and frustrating path. But as I would soon discover, the journey towards finding the correct diagnosis had just begun. 

Stay tuned for the next chapter in my medical odyssey – the search for the truth.

TeleCTG: Impacts of use of portable cardiotocographs (CTG) gadgets to monitor fetal wellbeing in low access regions

 

Impacts of use of portable cardiotocographs (CTG) gadgets to monitor fetal wellbeing in low access regions.

The use of portable cardiotocographs (CTGs) in low-access regions can have a significant impact on fetal wellbeing. CTGs are non-invasive devices that measure the fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions. By monitoring the FHR, CTGs can help to identify potential problems with the fetus, such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen), distress, or abnormalities in the heart rhythm.

In low-access regions, such as rural Kenya, where access to healthcare is limited, CTGs can be a valuable tool for improving fetal outcomes. By providing early warning of potential problems, CTGs can help to ensure that women receive timely and appropriate care. This can lead to a reduction in stillbirths, neonatal deaths, long-term disabilities and overall neonatal complication rates.

In addition to their clinical benefits, portable CTGs can also have a number of social and economic benefits. For example, by reducing the need for women to travel long distances for antenatal care, CTGs can help to save time and money. Additionally, by providing women with information about their fetus's health, CTGs can help to reduce anxiety and stress.

Overall, the use of portable CTGs in low-access regions can have a significant impact on fetal wellbeing. By providing early warning of potential problems, CTGs can help to ensure that women receive timely and appropriate care. This can lead to a reduction in stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and long-term disabilities.

Here are some specific global examples of the impacts of portable CTGs on fetal wellbeing in low-access regions:

• In a study conducted in rural India, the use of portable CTGs was associated with a 50% reduction in stillbirths.

• In a study conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, the use of portable CTGs was associated with a 25% reduction in neonatal deaths.

• In a study conducted in Latin America, the use of portable CTGs was associated with a 15% reduction in the number of babies born with long-term disabilities.

These studies demonstrate that the use of portable CTGs can have a significant impact on fetal wellbeing in low-access regions. 

In context of Kenya, the adoption of new generation cardiotocograph is limited possibly due to cost of purchase or hire, awareness and technical expertise of CTG use. Despite this challenge, there has been good reception of the idea particularly in tier II health facilities with a diverse clientele. The approach of teleCTG as an element of telemedicine has been backed up by resilient healthcare managers, CMOs, CNOs midwifes and obstetricians enthusiastic of patient safety and quality improvement. The paper lies on the desk of economic resource movers.

The Supremacy of Seasoned Employees: Nursing Workforce Review

Does experience really matter in the workplace?

It's a question that has been debated for years, but one thing is clear. Experienced employees bring a unique set of skills and benefits to the workplace. To illustrate this point, consider a case study done and analyzed by myself, Adams M.K.

While working as a nurse manager in a busy healthcare unit, I conducted a situation assessment study within four workstations. This study was based on qualitative analysis of set indicators and behavioral assessments.

The results? Clear evidence that seasoned employees shine in the workplace. Firstly, expertise matters. Experienced employees bring a wealth of knowledge and skills honed through years of practice. Their ability to navigate complex challenges is invaluable.

check video link below for more content.  

 • The Supremacy of Seasoned Employees: ...  

Lamaze as a Safari ya Mama engagement approach

Lamaze as a Safari ya Mama engagement approach

Lamaze is a childbirth education method that was developed in the 1940s by French obstetrician Dr. Fernand Lamaze. The Lamaze method focuses on natural childbirth techniques, such as breathing and relaxation exercises, to help mothers cope with the pain of childbirth.

Pregnancy can be a daunting experience for any expectant mother, especially for first-time mothers. Lamaze classes are a popular form of childbirth education that can help pregnant women in Kenya prepare for childbirth and make informed decisions about their childbirth experience. 

These are some of feedback from mothers after taking Lamaze classes in Kenya.

“I liked that everything was evidence and study-based.”

“All aspects of the class were particularly effective and helpful. I wanted to learn birthing techniques for a successful childbirth and compare the pros and cons of my birthing experience.” 

“It was very helpful to know that breastfeeding isn't supposed to hurt, it just means the latch is wrong. This class also changed my birth plan in the sense that I will hold my baby after birth. Thank you xxxx (Midwife),”

click on link to see full description in the case of tier two hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. https://youtu.be/Tssf10CzVzc?si=ds-XTndbAL6x_rsq

Safari ya Mama: A Tech Health Revolution in Maternal Health

Safari ya Mama: Antenatal-Birth-Childcare (ABC)

Imagine a world where nearly one in twenty children don't live to see their first birthday. This is the sobering reality in Kenya where maternal and infant mortality rates are alarmingly high. But what if technology could provide a lifeline?

I will always affirm that 'Safari ya Mama' program is one of many steps towards reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, and it's just the beginning.

Technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare as we know it, making it more accessible, more affordable, and more efficient. 

Follow my video for more content:  https://youtu.be/-DbY2omwG9k?si=-0cq8WANt4dPueiu

The Power of Skilled Nursing workforce on patient safety

The impact of Skilled Nursing workforce on patient safety

A skilled nursing workforce has a significant impact on patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. Studies have shown that higher nurse staffing levels are associated with lower rates of patient mortality, morbidity, and complications. For example, a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that a 10% increase in the number of registered nurses (RNs) per patient was associated with a 5% decrease in the risk of patient death.

Skilled nurses play a critical role in ensuring patient safety by:

• Providing high-quality care: Nurses are responsible for administering medications, monitoring patients' vital signs, and providing wound care. They are also responsible for educating patients about their condition and how to manage their care.

• Identifying and responding to changes in patients' condition: Nurses are the eyes and ears of the healthcare team. They are responsible for monitoring patients' condition and reporting any changes to the physician. This is especially important for patients who are at high risk for complications.

• Preventing errors: Nurses are responsible for following safe medication administration practices and other protocols to prevent errors. They are also responsible for reporting any errors that do occur so that they can be investigated and prevented from happening again.

• Advocating for patients: Nurses are patients' advocates. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the care they need and that their rights are respected.

In addition to their direct impact on patient safety, skilled nurses also contribute to the quality of healthcare delivery by:

• Providing continuity of care: Nurses often work with patients over extended periods of time. This allows them to build relationships with patients and their families and to gain a deep understanding of their needs.

• Coordinating care: Nurses play a key role in coordinating care among different members of the healthcare team. This helps to ensure that patients receive seamless care and that their needs are met in a timely manner.

• Providing education and support: Nurses are responsible for educating patients about their condition and how to manage their care. They also provide support to patients and their families during difficult times.

In conclusion, a skilled nursing workforce is essential for ensuring patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. By investing in nursing education and training, healthcare organizations can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse events.

Understanding Surrogacy in a Kenyan Perspective

 

What is Human Surrogacy

Human surrogacy is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which a woman, known as the surrogate mother, agrees to carry a pregnancy to term and give birth to a child for another person or couple, known as the intended parents. For human gestation surrogacy, the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child, and the intended parents will become the legal parents of the child after birth.

Traditional Surrogacy versus Gestational surrogacy

The main difference between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy is the biological connection between the surrogate mother and the child.

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is inseminated with the sperm of the intended father. Now you are wondering who is the biological mother. YES!, you are right, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the child in this case.

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother is implanted with an embryo that has been created using the sperm and egg of the intended parents, or using donor sperm and egg. This means that the surrogate mother is NOT the biological mother of the child.

Which type of surrogacy is right for you?

By now you might be wondering which is the best option for surrogacy and particularly in our African set of life.

Based on my observation and research, I will advise that the best type of surrogacy for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you are looking for a more affordable option, traditional surrogacy may be a better choice. However, it is important to be aware of the legal and ethical challenges associated with traditional surrogacy.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more straightforward legal process and a less ethically controversial option, gestational surrogacy may be a better choice. However, it is important to note that gestational surrogacy is typically more expensive than traditional surrogacy.

Remember that, It is important to discuss your options with a fertility specialist or surrogacy agency or legal adviser to determine which type of surrogacy is right for you.

Surrogacy in Kenya

Surrogacy is a complex and controversial issue in Kenya. There is no specific law on surrogacy, but the Kenyan constitution through Article 45(1) guarantees the right to form and be part of a family. My wakili friend will term this as a ‘legislative lacuna’.

This loophole has led to a growing number of people seeking surrogacy services in Kenya, both from within the country and from abroad. Yes, it is the true state of affairs; foreigners would travel all the way from their surrogacy-restrained countries to our legally open state for the convenience to start an ideal family. Thanks to the loophole.

Implications of surrogacy in Kenya:

Ethical concerns: Surrogacy raises a number of ethical concerns, such as the potential for exploitation of surrogate mothers, the commercialization of the human body, and the impact on children born through surrogacy.

Legal issues: The lack of a legal framework for surrogacy in Kenya creates a number of legal challenges, such as determining parental rights and responsibilities.

Social impact: Surrogacy is a relatively new phenomenon in Kenya, and its social impact is still being debated. Some people argue that it is a threat to traditional family values, while others argue that it is a positive development that expands the possibilities for family formation.

Specific examples of the implications of surrogacy in Kenya

Petition case 78 of 2014 (Kenya Law JL N & 2 others v. Director of Children Services & 4 others [2014] eKLR); DCS had seized two children born out of a surrogacy arrangement between a Kenyan couple (the Petitioners) and a surrogate mother. The DCS had argued that the surrogacy agreement was illegal and that the children were at risk of being exploited. This case was a big landmark of surrogacy in Kenya as the High Court of Kenya held that the Director of Children's Services (DCS) has no power to seize children born out of surrogacy agreements.

Petition 443 of 2014 (AMN & 2 others v. Attorney General & 5 others eKLR, BKN, TMK) In 2014, a Kenyan couple who had twins through surrogacy were unable to obtain birth certificates for their children because the Kenyan government did not recognize the surrogacy arrangement. The ruling in this Petition was another significant victory for surrogacy in Kenya. It established that surrogacy is legal in Kenya and that children born through surrogacy have the same rights as children born through natural conception. The ruling also required the government to take steps to implement the court's rulings, including developing a national policy on surrogacy and amending the relevant laws and regulations.

In 2018, a group of people were arrested in Kenya on charges of child trafficking for their involvement in a surrogacy arrangement.

There have been reports of surrogate mothers in Kenya being exploited by surrogacy agencies, who may offer them inadequate compensation or fail to provide them with adequate medical care.

Despite the challenges, surrogacy is a growing phenomenon in Kenya. It is important to have a public conversation about the ethical, legal, and social implications of surrogacy in order to develop a regulatory framework that protects the rights of all parties involved.

The Awakening Path

The awakening journey cannot be described without mention of various individuals who made a mark in the acknowledgement of Surrogacy.

Hon. Majanja, an high court judge was very instrumental through his guidance and ruling of surrogacy and parenting petitions brought before him. In 2014, he ruled that ''Surrogacy is not a hypothetical issue any more. It is real and many Kenyans are resulting to surrogacy as an alternative to being parents especially those who cannot for medical reasons have their own children''

The late Prof. Magoha, and then chairperson of Kenya Medical and Dentists Board (KMDB), was a strong advocate for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy in Kenya. In 2018, he authorized the expansion of ART services in Mombasa, which was a significant step towards making ART more accessible to Kenyans.

In 2018, Prof Marion Mutugi and Justice Isaac Lenaola co-authored the book Bioethics of Medical Advances and Genetic Manipulation: Legal, Philosophical and Moral Perspectives. I have had time to peruse this book and can agree that this is an important work that contributes to the understanding of the ethical, legal, and philosophical implications of surrogacy and other genetic manipulation in Kenya and beyond.

In 2014, a tough speaking female parliamentarian, Hon. Millie Othiambo tabled the Assisted Reproductive Technology(ART) Bill that opened the start of legal guidance on surrogacy. 

Evolution of Surrogacy in Kenyan History

Before Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), surrogacy practices in Kenya were largely informal and unregulated. There were no clear legal guidelines or regulations governing surrogacy arrangements, and surrogate mothers and intended parents were often left to negotiate their own agreements.

One common practice was for surrogate mothers to be recruited from within the extended family or community of the intended parents. This was often seen as a way to build trust and ensure that the surrogate mother was known and respected by the intended parents.

Another common practice was for surrogate mothers to be paid in cash or in kind for their services. The amount of compensation paid varied depending on the circumstances of the arrangement, but it was typically lower than the amount paid to surrogate mothers in developed countries.

There were also some cases of commercial surrogacy in Kenya before ART. However, this practice was less common, as it was not widely accepted by society. 

In general, surrogacy practices in Kenya before ART were less sophisticated and less regulated than they are today. Surrogate mothers and intended parents often faced legal and social challenges, and there was a lack of support for surrogacy arrangements.

I did  some report digging and here are some specific examples of surrogacy practices in Kenya before ART:

In 1989, a Kenyan woman became the first known surrogate mother in the country. She was paid 100,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately $1,000 at the time) to carry a child for a British couple.

In 1994, a Kenyan woman gave birth to twins through surrogacy for a Kenyan couple. The arrangement was negotiated between the two couples without any legal contract or third-party involvement.

In 1997, a Kenyan woman gave birth to a child through surrogacy for a Japanese couple. The arrangement was facilitated by a commercial surrogacy agency, and the surrogate mother was paid 500,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately $5,000 at the time).

The development of ART in Kenya has made surrogacy more accessible and affordable for intended parents. However, there is still a need for clear legal guidelines and regulations to protect the rights of surrogate mothers and intended parents. Let us understand more about the ART bill, 2014 on surrogacy.

Kenya Reproductive Health Care Bill, 2014 on surrogacy:

The Kenya Reproductive Health Care Bill, 2014 (the Bill) is a proposed law that would regulate assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Kenya, including surrogacy. The Bill was introduced in Parliament in 2014, but it has not yet been passed into law.

The Bill defines surrogacy as "an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy to term and give birth to a child for another person or persons." It sets out a number of requirements for surrogacy arrangements, including that:

• The commissioning parent(s) and the surrogate mother must all be of legal age and capacity to consent to the arrangement.

• The surrogate mother must be medically fit to carry a pregnancy.

• All parties to the arrangement must have received genetic counseling.

• The arrangement must be in writing and signed by all parties.

• The surrogate mother must be paid reasonable compensation for her services.

Take note that the Bill also prohibits certain practices related to surrogacy, such as:

• Commercial surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is paid more than reasonable compensation for her services.

• Altruistic surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is not paid any compensation for her services.

• Surrogacy for single people or same-sex couples.

The Bill has been praised by some for its attempt to regulate surrogacy and protect the rights of all parties involved. However, others have criticized the Bill for being too restrictive and for failing to adequately address the needs of infertile couples, same-sex couples(gay couples), and single people.

Overall, the Kenya Reproductive Health Care Bill, 2014 is a significant step towards regulating surrogacy in Kenya. However, it is important to note that the Bill has not yet been passed into law, and it is possible that it could be amended before it is passed.

Please leave your comment below on this complex and controversial discussion.