- Faith Kipyegon is building a maternity unit in her home area of Keringet.
- Local mothers currently travel long distances to access medical care.
- The project aims to improve safety for women and newborns.
- Nike is supporting the facility as a legacy initiative.
Kenyan athletics star Faith Kipyegon is extending her impact beyond medals and records by investing in healthcare in her hometown. The multiple Olympic and world champion has announced plans to put up a maternity facility in Keringet, an area where access to hospital services remains a challenge.
At 32, Kipyegon says the project is close to her heart and is driven by what she has witnessed over the years.
Women in Keringet are often forced to travel nearly 35 kilometres to reach a hospital when giving birth. This distance has exposed many expectant mothers and newborns to serious risks, especially during emergencies.
The planned Dare to Dream Maternity Ward is expected to ease this burden by bringing essential care closer to the community.
Kipyegon, who became a mother in 2018, spoke emotionally about the struggles women in her area face. She said many go into labour with hope, only to face heartbreaking outcomes due to a lack of proper care.
According to her, the issue is not neglect by mothers, but limited access to quality medical services.
The athlete took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the facility on Sunday. The event also featured a children’s cross-country race, highlighting her continued passion for nurturing both health and sport at the grassroots.
The maternity ward is being funded by Nike, Kipyegon’s long-time shoe sponsor. The company described the project as a long-term gift to the community following Kipyegon’s historic attempt to break the four-minute mile barrier last year.
Nike’s global running leadership said supporting safe childbirth helps uplift entire communities.
Once completed, the Dare to Dream Maternity Ward is expected to offer safer and more dignified childbirth services. For Kipyegon, the project represents more than a building—it is about protecting lives and shaping a stronger future for families in Keringet.
