Olympic champion and world record holder Faith Kipyegon is giving back to her community by building a maternity ward in her home village of Keringet in Nakuru County. The globally recognised athlete said poor access to healthcare has contributed to many preventable childbirth tragedies in the area, a reality she is determined to help change.
The project, named the Dare to Dream Maternity Ward, officially began after a ground breaking ceremony held over the weekend. Community members, local leaders, and schoolchildren gathered to witness the launch of the initiative, which aims to improve maternal health services for women in the region.
Faith Kipyegon explained that her decision to invest in maternal care was deeply personal. She recalled growing up in Keringet and witnessing women go into labour full of hope, only to lose their babies due to limited or distant medical services. According to her, these tragedies were not caused by negligence but by a lack of accessible and adequate healthcare facilities.
The maternity ward is expected to reduce childbirth complications and provide expectant mothers with proper medical support closer to home. By bringing essential services into the community, the project seeks to save lives and restore dignity to maternal care in rural areas.
The ceremony, held on Sunday, January 25, marked an important milestone for the village. Among those present was fellow Kenyan athletics icon Eliud Kipchoge, who joined residents in supporting the initiative. The strong turnout reflected the community’s hope that the facility will make a lasting difference.
Kipyegon noted that the maternity project builds on the spirit of her previous #Breaking4 campaign. Last year, the initiative focused on inspiring women to believe in their dreams as she attempted to run a mile in under four minutes. This time, the focus has shifted to a more tangible breakthrough that directly impacts women’s lives through better healthcare.
She expressed confidence that the Dare to Dream Maternity Ward will uplift women and strengthen families in Keringet. Faith emphasised that when women receive proper support, entire communities benefit. She added that the project is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about dignity, opportunity, and a better future for mothers and children.
After the ground breaking ceremony, Faith Kipyegon shared a statement thanking Nike for supporting the project. She also acknowledged the local community for standing with her and embracing the vision. With construction now underway, the maternity ward represents hope for safer childbirth and improved maternal health in Nakuru County.
