This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Kenya statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Kenyan statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Kenyan-specific metadata information.
| Goal |
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages |
|---|---|
| Target |
Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births |
| Indicator |
Indicator 3.1.1: Maternal mortality ratio |
| Metadata update |
2024 |
| Related indicators |
3.1.2 |
| Organisation |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) |
| Contact person(s) |
Senior Manager, Population Statistics Division |
| Contact organisation unit |
Population Division |
| Contact person function |
Compiling population and demographics statistics |
| Contact phone |
+254 735004401 |
| Contact mail |
P.O. Box 30266 00100 GPO NAIROBI |
| Contact email |
dpss@knbs.or.ke |
| Definition and concepts |
Definition: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths during a given time period per 100,000 live births during the same time period. It depicts the risk of maternal death relative to the number of live births and essentially captures the risk of death in a single pregnancy (proxied by a single live birth). Concepts: Maternal death: The death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes. A death occurring during pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium (also known as a pregnancy-related death) Pregnancy-related death: a pregnancy-related death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of cause |
| Unit of measure |
Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births |
| Classifications |
International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD) Revision 10. . The specific codes used under ICD-10 (the 10th revision of the ICD) to define a maternal death are: O00-O96; O98, O99 and A34. |
| Data sources |
Population based Household Survey that is, the Kenya Demographic Health Surveys (KDHS) Kenya Population and Housing Censuses (KPHC): This is a national Population and Housing census |
| Data collection method |
Data collection includes; survey planning, consultative user needs assessment meetings, survey and sampling design, questionnaire development, pretesting and finalization of questionnaires, recruitment and training of field staff, field data collection and capture, data processing, management, checking and analysis, report writing and production. At each stage, the survey conformed to international best practices in survey implementation. MMR = Number of maternal deaths X 100, 000 Number of Live births in same period |
| Data collection calendar |
KDHS every 5 years, KPHC every 10 years |
| Data release calendar |
KDHS every 5 years, KPHC every 10 years |
| Data providers |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Data compilers |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Institutional mandate |
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) is established as the principal agency of the Government for collecting, analyzing and disseminating statistical data in Kenya and as the custodian of official statistical information. Add NSS under the Statistics Act, 2006 |
| Rationale |
Maternal Mortality Ratio serves as an indicator that gauges the extent of human and social development. It reflects the overall status of women, their access to healthcare, and how effectively the healthcare system responds to their reproductive health needs. |
| Comment and limitations |
Estimates are based on respondents recall. |
| Method of computation |
The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) can be calculated by dividing recorded (or estimated) maternal deaths by total recorded (or estimated) live births in the same period and multiplying by 100 000. |
| Validation |
Technical working committee meetings together with stakeholders were held before the launch and dissemination of the reports. igmec |
| Methods and guidance available to countries for the compilation of the data at the national level |
None |
| Quality management |
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is ISO certified based on 9001:2015 Standard requirements. The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control, are carried out following the methodological framework and standards established by the KNBS, in compliance with the Internationally acceptable standards. |
| Quality assurance |
The KNBS adheres to Kenya Statistical Quality Assurance Framework (KesQAF) that underlines principles to be assured in managing the statistical production processes and output. Data consistency and quality checks are conducted through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that are drawn from subject matter specialists, the academia and other stakeholders before publication and dissemination. |
| Quality assessment |
KNBS developed a quality assurance framework (KeSQAF), to record and reference the full range of quality concepts, dimensions, and practices. These include; Relevance, accuracy, reliability, timeliness, punctuality, accessibility, clarity, coherence, consistency, methodological soundness, and integrity. |
| Data availability and disaggregation |
Data Availability Data available at National level and County level. Time Series 2009, 2014, 2019 Disaggregation For the census data sources, Disaggregation is by mother’s age at birth, Rural-urban disaggregation and by County; while from the DHS its only at National level |
| Comparability/deviation from international standards |
None |
| References and Documentation |
KDHS2014MaternalandChildHealth - Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (knbs.or.ke) |
| Metadata last updated | Aug 28, 2025 |