JKUAT, Aga Khan University Faculty Launch Midwifery Clinical Casebook
Nursing faculty from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Aga Khan University have published Pearls of Midwifery: A Casebook for Maternal and Newborn Health, which was launched at JKUAT, Juja, on September 11, 2026. Authored by Prof. Drusilla Makworo, Dr. Caroline Nyariki, Ms. Dainah Kariuki and Ms. Rosemary Mugambi from JKUAT’s School…
The authors from L-R: Dr. Caroline Nyariki, Prof. Drusilla Makworo, Ms. Dainah Kariuki, Ms. Rosemary Mugambi and Dr. Rosemary Kithuci
Nursing faculty from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Aga Khan University have published Pearls of Midwifery: A Casebook for Maternal and Newborn Health, which was launched at JKUAT, Juja, on September 11, 2026.
Authored by Prof. Drusilla Makworo, Dr. Caroline Nyariki, Ms. Dainah Kariuki and Ms. Rosemary Mugambi from JKUAT’s School of Nursing, and Dr. Rosemary Kithuci of Aga Khan University, the book features 73 clinical case studies spanning the continuum of maternal and newborn care, from preconception and pregnancy through childbirth, postpartum and the neonatal period.
The casebook is designed to strengthen clinical reasoning, decision-making and evidence-based practice, helping learners connect theoretical knowledge with situations they are likely to encounter in clinical settings. The cases cover a range of maternal and newborn care scenarios, including obstetric emergencies such as postpartum haemorrhage, pregnancy complications, childbirth, postpartum care and neonatal conditions, giving learners an opportunity to work through clinical situations and consider appropriate responses.
Explaining the inspiration behind the book, Dr. Nyariki said many of the cases were drawn from the authors’ experiences in clinical practice. The authors wanted to make midwifery learning more practical and engaging by connecting classroom concepts with situations encountered in real-world care.
“We thought about how we could make midwifery learning practical, engaging and connected to what we actually encounter in our clinical activities, stimulate discussions and reflection, foster interprofessional practice and help achieve the EWENE principles,” Dr. Nyariki explained.
The ceremony was graced by various stakeholders led by the Prof. Thuku Thiong’ o (representing Vice Chancellor) and Dr. Reuben Thuo Principal COHES
EWENE, an acronym for “Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere,” is a global initiative focused on eliminating preventable maternal, neonatal and stillbirth deaths. Kenya adopted the framework in May 2026 under the national campaign “Okoa Mama, Okoa Mtoto” (Save the Mother, Save the Child).
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Thuku Thiong’o, commended the authors for developing the book, noting that well-prepared midwives are central to improving the health and survival of mothers and newborns.
He described the casebook as a valuable resource for equipping students with the knowledge, practical understanding and competence needed to transition confidently from the classroom to clinical practice, contributing to the achievement of the country’s good health and well-being.
Speaking during the launch, Principal, College of Health Sciences, Dr. Reuben Thuo, lauded the publication, which is the second book produced by COHES faculty. He noted that while Kenya has made significant investments in maternal and paediatric health, including neonatal intensive care units, there remains a need for more skilled professionals and greater standardization of care across training institutions.
Staff from the School of Nursing turned up to congratulate the authors
The need for stronger capacity in maternal and newborn care was also underscored by Dr. Kireki Omanwa, President of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society. He commended the authors for including obstetric emergencies in the casebook, noting that preventable causes continue to contribute to maternal deaths. He further emphasized the complementary roles of midwives and obstetricians in providing safe maternal care.
The scale of the challenge was highlighted by Mr. Paul Nyachae, Country Director, Jhpiego Kenya, who said that an estimated 16 women and 90 children die every day in Kenya, underscoring the need to strengthen the country’s midwifery workforce. He also commended JKUAT for creating an environment that facilitates knowledge sharing and professional learning.
The launch brought together representatives from health facilities, universities, professional bodies and development organizations, including Nairobi Hospital, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Kenyatta University, Daystar University, Mama Ngina University, Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Gatundu, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, AMREF, the Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK), and the Nursing Council of Kenya, represented by Dr. Gladys Machira.
The book also benefited from the input of reviewers, three of whom attended the launch: Dr. Grace Mbuthia and Dr. Joseph Mukobe from the School of Nursing, and Dr. Justus Simba from the School of Medicine. The copyright process was facilitated by JKUAT’s Directorate of Intellectual Property Management and University-Industry Liaison (DIPUIL).
Concluding a five-year writing journey, the ceremony was marked by pink and purple, colours chosen to reflect the heart of maternal and newborn healthcare. Pink represented maternal health, compassion and nurturing care, while purple symbolised wisdom, expertise and clinical judgement. Together, these colours captured the book’s emphasis on safe, compassionate and high-quality care for mothers and newborns.
The ceremony was marked by pink and purple, colours that were chosen to reflect the heart of maternal and newborn healthcare.