Swedfund has committed $600,000 to Jacaranda Health to support the expansion of its affordable maternity hospital network in Kenya, the organisations said on Tuesday.
The investment will fund the opening of new facilities, upgrades to neonatal intensive care services and improvements to existing hospitals, as the provider seeks to scale access to maternal healthcare for low- and middle-income communities.
Maternal and newborn health outcomes in Kenya remain uneven, with high maternal mortality rates persisting despite increased access to skilled birth attendance. Public health facilities dominate the sector but face capacity constraints, while quality and access vary significantly across regions.
Private operators such as Jacaranda Health have increasingly positioned themselves as complementary providers, offering essential maternity services at lower price points than traditional private hospitals.
“This investment will help Jacaranda Maternity provide life-saving care to more women and families while furthering Swedfund’s mission to promote inclusive and sustainable healthcare,” said Audrey Obara, a senior investment manager at Swedfund.
Based in Nairobi, Jacaranda Health plans to expand its network to six hospitals as it works toward financial sustainability. The company said 71% of its workforce is made up of women and highlighted its focus on environmental and social standards.
The deal reflects growing investor interest in scalable healthcare models in Africa that combine affordability with quality, particularly in maternal and neonatal care.