Kenya Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births SH.STA.MMRT
Kenya's maternal mortality ratio was 136.20 in 2025, ranked 54th globally. This represents a 8.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2025.
Overview
Kenya's maternal mortality ratio stood at 136.20 in 2025, a decline of +12.80 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 136.20 by 2025. Kenya ranked 54th globally.
Kenya’s maternal mortality ratio has fallen dramatically over the past four decades, dropping from an all‑time peak of 1,375.00 in 1985 to a trough of 136.20 in 2025, placing the country 54th globally. This 90.1 percent reduction reflects sustained investments in obstetric care, expanded skilled‑birth attendance, and the rollout of free maternity services, which together have narrowed the gap with regional peers such as South Africa (138.60) and Namibia (132.40). The decline is especially pronounced after the early 2000s, when the proportion of births attended by qualified health personnel rose from roughly 45 percent to over 80 percent, and the proportion of deliveries in health facilities more than doubled. Despite the progress, Kenya’s ratio remains above the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births, indicating that further improvements in rural health infrastructure and emergency referral systems are needed to sustain the downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Maternal Mortality Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 127.90 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 136.20 | - | - |
| 2025 | 136.20 | −12.80 | #54 |
| 2023 | 149.00 | −6.00 | #146 |
| 2022 | 155.00 | −28.00 | #146 |
| 2021 | 183.00 | −1.00 | #140 |
| 2020 | 184.00 | +8.00 | #149 |
| 2019 | 176.00 | −7.00 | #150 |
| 2018 | 183.00 | −3.00 | #149 |
| 2017 | 186.00 | −10.00 | #148 |
| 2016 | 196.00 | −7.00 | #146 |
| 2015 | 203.00 | +0.00 | #145 |
| 2014 | 203.00 | −3.00 | #143 |
| 2013 | 206.00 | −8.00 | #141 |
| 2012 | 214.00 | +5.00 | #141 |
| 2011 | 209.00 | −1.00 | #139 |
| 2010 | 210.00 | +2.00 | #137 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw maternal mortality ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's maternal mortality ratio was 136.20 in 2025. Ranked 54th globally. This represents a 8.6% decrease from the previous year.
Kenya's maternal mortality ratio peaked at 1,375.00 in 1985.
The lowest maternal mortality ratio in Kenya was 136.20 in 2025.
Kenya ranks 54th globally in maternal mortality ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.STA.MMRT. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's maternal mortality ratio is projected to reach 136.20 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The maternal mortality ratio of Kenya in 2025 was 136.20. This ranks 54th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_maternal-mortality,
title = {Kenya Maternal Mortality Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/maternal-mortality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}