The 31-year-old commissioned the project dubbed ‘Dare to Dream Maternity Ward’ in Keringet, Nakuru County, and it will be located at the Immaculate Conception grounds.
The ‘Dare to Dream Maternity Ward’, supported by Nike, aims to provide safe, dignified, and accessible care for mothers and newborns in the region.
‘Dedicated space for women and children’
“Last year, I took on a project called Breaking4. It was about pushing boundaries, about daring to chase something many people said was impossible. I did it to inspire women around the world to believe in themselves. To believe that their dreams, no matter how big, are valid,” said Kipyegon in a statement.
“But today is about a different kind of breakthrough,” added Kipyegon during the ground breaking ceremony. “A breakthrough that matters far beyond sport. A breakthrough that touches life itself.”
Kipyegon, who became the first athlete ever to win three consecutive gold medals in the 1500m women's race during 2024 Paris Olympics, where she also set a new Olympic record, added: “While growing up in Keringet and actually still today, I see something that breaks my heart far too often.
“I see women go into labour full of hope, carrying life, carrying dreams and too many times, they come back empty-handed. Not because they did anything wrong. But because the care they needed was too far away, too limited, or simply not good enough.”
However, Kipyegon said the suffering of expectant mothers to travel nearly 35 kilometres to access hospital services will be a thing of the past when the facility is completed and up and running.
“For a long time, I carried a dream in my heart,” offered Kipyegon, who clinched a gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 2017, 2022, 2023 and 2025 World Championships and in the 5000 metres at the 2023 World Championships.
“A dream to help change this reality. A dream to create a place where women feel safe when they give life. Today, that dream takes its first powerful step. Together with Nike, and together with this community, we are building a maternity wing here.
“A dedicated space for women and children. A place designed to provide better birth care, close to home. A place where mothers are supported, respected, and protected. A place where life begins with strength.”
She added: “Very soon, expectant mothers will walk through these doors and walk out carrying hope in their arms.
“This project is not about me. It is about the women who will walk through these doors with courage. It is about the babies who will take their first breath here. It is about families who will return home whole. It is about showing that when women are supported, entire communities rise.”
Kipyegon maintained women deserved better in the society. She said: “As we break ground, we also break silence. We say clearly: women deserve better care. Mothers deserve safety. Children deserve a strong start to life.
“We are not just building walls. We are building possibilities. We are building dignity. We are building a future.”
She concluded: “I’m looking forward to developing this project further with the support of Nike, the Order of Malta, the Franciscan Sisters of The Immaculate Conception and the local community.”
Kipchoge welcomes initiative
Kenyan legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, who was present during the ground breaking ceremony alongside Athletics Kenya (AK) President General Jackson Tuwei, lauded the initiative saying it reflected a shift from personal achievement to collective progress.
“I think it is a great day for the community of Keringet, where Faith was born,” said Kipchoge, who has run four of the 10 fastest marathons in history, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest marathon runners of all time.
“They have realised creating an impact in the society is not being won by breaking the records or winning the medals or races but through creating an impact that is going directly to the community by impacting the community.”
Kipchoge added: “Faith thinking of maternity as a mother is a great and a critical issue because in this place there is no maternity and yet women are giving birth and there are still deaths and so I am here to give her full support.”
Kipyegon is the world record holder for 1500 metres and the mile, and she is the former world record holder for the 5000 metres. She is the only three-time Olympic champion in the 1500 metres, having won a gold medal each at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro, 2020 Tokyo, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
