Safe Deliveries After Dark-The Impact of Solarization in Namasoli

In many rural parts of Kenya, lack of electricity in health facilities continues to put mothers and newborns at risk especially during nighttime deliveries. Without reliable lighting, health workers struggle to provide timely, safe, and hygienic care, leading to preventable complications and even deaths. This could have been the fate of Irene Auma from Empaka Village in Kakamega county.

But simple solutions like solarization in healthcare are turning this around.

Irene Auma holding her 27 days baby outSide ACK Namasoli Health center-Photo ^{Simiyu Nalianya-ADSW}

Just weeks ago, Irene went into labor late at night. She was rushed to ACK Namasoli Health Centre, a small but busy rural clinic. On arrival, the area was experiencing a power blackout something all too common in this region.

In the past, this could have been disastrous.

But thanks to  solarization project, the facility had a working Solar Suitcase, a compact, portable power unit that provides essential lighting and device charging. It was donated by Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) through the health facility solarization program implemented by ADS Kenya and ADS Western.

Hawie Wondwossen, Program Officer at HPIC, inspecting one of the solar suitcase installed at ACK Namasoli health center: Photo ^{Simiyu Nalianya-ADSW}

With proper lighting, the health workers managed Irene’s labor smoothly. She delivered her baby safely through spontaneous vaginal delivery without any complications. Today, she holds her healthy 27-day-old newborn with gratitude and relief.

“During my first delivery, there was no light. The nurses had to use their phone torches. It made me feel scared and exposed, I couldn’t tell if they were recording or examining me,”

Irene shared during a visit by HPIC’s Program Officer, Hawie Wondwossen. “This time, everything was different. The room was bright, the care was professional. I felt safe.”

Since the installation of the solar suitcase, health workers at Namasoli report:

• Improved conditions for night-time deliveries
• Faster emergency response during complications
• Reduced dependence on unsafe lighting alternatives like phone flashlights
• More dignified, confidential care for women

The World Health Organization  lists adequate lighting as a minimum standard for maternal and newborn health care. Poor lighting increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal asphyxia, and infection especially in emergencies that require quick interventions.

By investing in solar-powered medical equipment, HPIC and its partners are helping rural clinics deliver quality, emergency obstetric care even in areas off the national power grid.

For mothers like Irene, this isn’t just about electricity. It’s about dignity. It’s about survival.

Irene Auma holding her baby outside ACK Namasoli health center: Photo ^{Simiyu Nalianya-ADSW}

Every Solar Suitcase installed means one more clinic ready for life-or-death moments. It means more safe childbirth experiences. It means fewer lights from mobile phones and more light for trained hands saving lives.

Hawie Wondwossen, Program Officer at HPIC with Irene Auma a beneficiary of solarization project in Namasoli: Photo ^{Simiyu Nalianya-ADSW}