Kenyan in the US Returns Home to Give Birth Reigniting Kihika Debate
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A Kenyan-born mother based in Texas and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika have sparked national and diaspora conversations after making contrasting decisions on where to give birth, one returning to Kenya for support and affordability, the other traveling to the United States to protect her dignity as a leader.
Their experiences highlight the emotional, cultural, and social realities surrounding childbirth choices among Kenyan women at home and abroad.
Marion Nduta, a Kenyan woman living in Texas, made the emotional decision to return to Kenya during pregnancy to deliver her second child.
According to Nduta, pregnancy abroad felt isolating without the presence of family and the cultural support system she was used to in Kenya.
“Pregnancy abroad can feel lonely. You miss the warmth of family, the guidance of elders, and the traditional care that makes the journey easier,” she shared.
After returning to Nairobi, she resumed prenatal care under a local gynecologist and described her experience as deeply reassuring.
Nduta revealed that her maternity care in Kenya cost approximately Ksh 185,000, significantly lower than childbirth expenses in the United States, which can cost thousands of dollars even with insurance coverage.
Beyond affordability, she emphasized the importance of family presence and cultural familiarity in supporting her mental well-being during pregnancy.
Governor Susan Kihika Defends Decision to Give Birth in the U.S.
In contrast, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika defended her decision to give birth in the United States, citing dignity concerns related to her leadership role.
Speaking during a public event, Kihika explained that delivering in Nakuru hospitals would have placed her in a vulnerable position before medical personnel she described as her juniors.
“Did you want me to expose myself to them at the delivery table? What image would they have of me after that?”
She added that her decision was not meant to undermine local health facilities but rather to protect her public image.
“I’m sure you women did not fight me when I went to give birth. As you know, I am also a woman; I went to do what we must do as women. Do you know that I am the governor? And that the doctors and nurses, especially in Nakuru, serve under me?”
Kihika further explained her concern about how medical staff might perceive her after seeing her in such a vulnerable state.
“Did you want me to expose myself to them at the delivery table? What image would they have of me after that? Won’t they be undressing me in their minds when having meetings with them? That is why I had to travel to the US to protect my image,” she said.
Two Different Paths, One Shared Reality of Motherhood
While Nduta’s journey was driven by the need for family support and affordability, Kihika’s decision centered on leadership image and personal dignity.
Nduta sought emotional comfort and cultural familiarity, emphasizing the importance of traditional care systems.
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Kihika, on the other hand, framed her choice as necessary due to her political position and the perceived professional boundaries between herself and healthcare workers in Nakuru.
Despite their differing approaches, both women highlighted the deeply personal nature of childbirth decisions.
Promise to Improve Local Maternity Services
During her remarks, Governor Susan Kihika also expressed gratitude to women who supported her during her maternity journey.
“Why was my dowry paid if not so that I can bear children like all married women do? I thank you, mothers. You stood by me and continue to support me.”
She pledged to improve maternal healthcare infrastructure within Nakuru County.
“I will construct more modern maternity wards so that you can also enjoy the services I enjoyed abroad,” she concluded.
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Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika photo after delivering in the US. PHOTO/File