By Moreen Wandia

What was meant to be the beginning of a new life nearly turned into a tragedy after a newborn baby girl was allegedly buried alive in a shamba in Kiambaa Sub-County.

But against all odds, the tiny infant survived.

The baby, now temporarily referred to by medical staff as “Baby Jane Doe,” was rescued by a Good Samaritan who reportedly heard faint cries coming from the ground and rushed to investigate. Shock quickly turned into urgency as the infant was pulled out alive and immediately rushed to Kihara Level 4 Hospital for emergency medical attention.

At the hospital, doctors and nurses moved swiftly to save her life.

Dr. Betty Mburu, a consultant pediatrician at the facility, said the baby arrived in critical condition.

“The baby was brought in while extremely cold and weak. We rushed her straight to the nursery and placed her in an incubator among other critical procedures to help stabilize her,” said Dr. Mburu.

Some of the medical staff working at the Kihara Level 4 Hospital

Medical teams immediately began administering IV antibiotics and fluids while closely monitoring her condition around the clock.

Despite the trauma she had endured, the newborn showed signs of strength that gave the medical team hope.

However, the fight to keep her alive has not been easy, and continues.

Doctors revealed that the infant later developed apnea; a dangerous condition that causes interruptions in breathing  as well as convulsions, forcing the team to intensify treatment and monitoring.

Even so, the doctors remain hopeful.

Baby Jane Doe – buried in a shamba but still fighting for her life

The baby weighed 2,700 grams when she arrived at the hospital, an indication that she was a full-term baby with a strong chance of recovery under proper medical care.

Inside the maternity unit, every passing hour has become a battle for survival one fought by dedicated nurses, doctors, and specialists determined to give the child a second chance at life.

The incident has also highlighted the growing capacity of Kihara Level 4 Hospital to handle complex emergency cases involving newborns and maternal health.

The hospital’s equipped NBU (newborn unit) and emergency response systems played a critical role in stabilizing the infant, reflecting ongoing healthcare improvements championed by Governor Kimani Wamatangi under his vision of “Making Kiambu Great Again.”

Over the years, Kiambu County has continued investing in healthcare infrastructure, specialized equipment, and maternal and child health services to ensure residents can access quality treatment closer to home.

Speaking during the baby’s treatment, Nursing Services Manager Ms. Mercy Gichia called on mothers facing emotional distress after childbirth to seek help from trained healthcare professionals.

“Postpartum depression is real, and many mothers suffer silently. We encourage women to speak up and seek support from nurses, counselors, and healthcare providers whenever they feel overwhelmed,” she said.

She also urged families and communities to support new mothers and create supportive environments that protect both mothers and children.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the child, “Baby Jane Doe” remains under close medical observation, with healthcare workers continuing to fight for her recovery.

For now, her tiny cries once heard from beneath the soil have become a powerful reminder of the value of compassion, community vigilance, and the importance of accessible healthcare capable of saving even the most fragile lives.