In a momentous occasion that marked the culmination of 7 years of dedicated work and collaboration, the E4A Mama Ye project, managed by Options Consultancy Services Limited bids farewell as it concludes its operations in Bungoma County.
Tracing back the transformative journey, E4A Mama Ye brought together government and like-minded Civil Societies Organizations (CSOs) advocating for improved Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) outcomes. The grassroots CSOs together with the media joined efforts to form an independent coalition called RMNCAH Network, a beacon of hope and progress in the realm of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health. Throughout its tenure, the E4A Mamaye team has been a steadfast supporter of the RMNCAH Network, providing invaluable resources, guidance and trainings on accountability mechanisms within the health sector and also capacity building programs aimed at enhancing leadership and governance within the Network.
The Network has witnessed an immense growth from the essential resources and learning materials provided by the E4A Mama Ye which has further equipped it to navigate the complexities of advocacy and implementation effectively. As it bids farewell, it leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and sustainability in which the Network stands as a testament to the impact of collective action and strategic investment in community-driven initiatives throughout its journey from inception to institutionalization, including adept management of grants and legal registration.
Key to the success of the E4A Mama Ye has been the strategic partnership, notably with the County government of Bungoma, more specifically with the health department. The close relationship that was forged facilitated a successful piloting of an innovative Community Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (c-MPDSR) model, a crucial intervention in addressing community modifiable social factors contributing to maternal and perinatal mortality. Bungoma County’s sustained efforts to implement MPDSR demonstrates the tangible impact of collaborative efforts in improving healthcare outcomes at the grassroots level.

The County Executive Committee Member of health Dr. Andrew Wamalwa who graced the close out event meant to celebrate the projects successes acknowledged the dedication and advocacy of E4A team noting that their commitment transformed activists into advocates who argue based on evidence.
“The period during which the E4A Mamaye team has been in Bungoma has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of our people. I must acknowledge that as a county, we have witnessed significant and remarkable work from them, which has proven extremely beneficial,” he said
He also recognized the team’s efforts in regards to supporting the County Government of Bungoma to adapt the Vital Signs Profile (VSP) tool to be used by advocates and policy makers to measure the key Primary Health Care indicators, making Bungoma the first and the only county to have domesticated this PHC measurement tool in Kenya.
His sentiments were echoed by Kenneth Macharia, the regional director, Eastern, Central, and Southern African, Options Consultancy Services who expressed his satisfaction towards the team reaffirming his support in co-creating yet again projects that will seek to strengthen health systems in the country.
“As Options we are proud of our contribution to save lives by working closely with governments and we shall be keen to innovate and co-create programs that strengthen systems,” said Macharia
As the project draws to a close, the RMNCAH Network stands poised to carry forward its legacy of advocacy and impact, building upon the foundation laid by E4A Mama Ye. The Network is well equipped to continue to champion the cause of maternal and newborn health in the County, and so we urge the County government and other stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment towards advancing Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health initiatives.
Lucia Laboso, the Project Director E4A Mama Ye, who was also in attendance expressed her heartfelt gratitude, reflecting on the journey of implementing the project. Laboso called upon stakeholders and the county government to continue building on the legacy that the team is leaving behind.
“Health is paramount, and thus, this is not a farewell. Let’s sustain our momentum because the true measure of a system’s strength lies in its ability to support and nurture mothers and their infants,” said Lucia.