By Muisyo Myles – Obinna Tv Studios
September 29, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Mackenzie Evans, a dedicated accoucheur and midwife, is rewriting the narrative of children delivery. On an episode of Obinna show live, the Kenyan health expert opened up about her unconventional journey into midwifery, stillbirths, and preventable factors like the Rhesus factor that claim far too many lives. With Kenya grappling with a stillbirth rate of around 20 per 1,000 births, Dr. Evans’ candid revelations are a wake-up call for expectant mothers and healthcare providers.
As conversations around reproductive health gain traction amid rising awareness campaigns, Dr. Evans’ story is a blueprint for addressing Kenya’s hidden health crises. From her high school dreams derailed by family needs to her frontline fight against neonatal tragedies, here’s an in-depth look at the midwife who’s turning personal pivots into public good.
Why Dr. Mackenzie Chose Midwifery
Dr. Mackenzie Evans didn’t set out to be a hero in scrubs. “Mimi nilikuwa nataka kuwa afande,” he confessed on the Obinna Show Live, recounting his teenage ambition to join the police force. But life in Kenya’s urban space had other plans. Growing up, he and his family often faced evictions over unpaid school fees, leading to tense run-ins with traffic police. “Tulikuwa tukifukuzwa fee tunapatana na a certain traffic police,” Evans shared, his voice laced with the grit of those memories.
High school became a turning point. Amid the chaos of adolescence and academics—”after kusomasoma”—Evans noticed his mother’s quiet dedication in the health sector. It was a beacon of stability in an unpredictable world. Inspired by this blend of compassion, he traded badges for stethoscopes, channeling his protective instincts into safeguarding mothers and babies. Today, as a certified accoucheur, he works in Nairobi’s overburdened maternity wards, where his hands have guided thousands through the miracle of birth.
Evans’ pivot mirrors a broader trend in Kenya’s healthcare workforce. With a shortage of over 20,000 midwives nationwide, professionals like him are filling critical gaps, often driven by personal stories rather than glossy career ads.
Unpacking Stillbirth Causes in Kenya
Stillbirths babies born lifeless after 28 weeks of gestation rob Kenya of future generations at an alarming rate. According to recent studies, the country sees over 40,000 stillbirths annually, with East Africa reporting a pooled prevalence of 2.3%. Dr. Evans broke down the top culprits, blending clinical expertise with raw empathy to demystify what many families endure in silence.
1. Lack of Exposure and Awareness
Simple ignorance. “Lack of exposure” tops Evans’ list, referring to how many women in rural or low-income areas miss out on vital education about pregnancy risks. In Kenya, where only 51% of women receive the recommended four antenatal care (ANC) visits, delayed or absent prenatal checkups amplify dangers. Without early screenings, issues like placental problems or fetal distress go undetected until it’s too late.
2. Delayed Prenatal Care
Time is everything in pregnancy, yet delays plague Kenya’s health system. Long distances to facilities—especially in arid regions like Marsabit County—mean women travel hours (or days) for care, often arriving too late. Evans highlighted how this turns into tragedy: “A routine check could spot hypertension or infections early, but if it’s postponed, the baby pays the price.”
3. The Rhesus Factor
Perhaps the most eye-opening revelation was Dr. Evans’ deep dive into the Rhesus (Rh) factor—a blood protein mismatch that turns a joyous pregnancy into a nightmare for subsequent ones. “The first baby utajifungua vizuri hao wengine ndio utapata shida,” he explained vividly. If a Rh-negative mother carries a Rh-positive baby (inheriting the protein from the father), her immune system may attack the fetus in future pregnancies, causing hemolytic disease and stillbirth.
Evans was crystal clear on the fix: “If you are rhesus B negative unafaa kudungwa from the second week of pregnancy depending na vile mtoto atatoka.” For Rh-negative mothers, an Anti-D injection (Rh immunoglobulin) is a game-changer, administered around 28 weeks and post-delivery to prevent sensitization. “If a mother is rhesus positive you are okay but rhesus negative you need Anti D,” he urged, noting that without it, risks skyrocket for second or later babies.
| Common Stillbirth Causes in Kenya | Prevalence Contribution | Prevention Tips from Dr. Evans |
|---|---|---|
| Asphyxia & Labor Complications | ~47% | Attend all ANC visits; opt for facility-based deliveries. |
| Infections (Malaria, Syphilis) | ~21% | Use insecticide nets; get screened early. |
| Congenital Anomalies | ~8% | Genetic counseling for high-risk families. |
| Rh Incompatibility | 5-10% | Mandatory Rh typing at first prenatal visit; Anti-D shots. |
| Prematurity | ~7% | Manage hypertension/diabetes pre-pregnancy. |
Empowering Change: Dr. Evans’ Call to Action
About the Author: Muisyo Myles covers breaking stories in Kenya and World, blending expert insights with on-the-ground reporting for informed, impactful reads.
