Nairobi Smokie Seller Helps Woman Give Birth By Roadside

 A street food vendor in Nairobi's Central Business District received praise for assisting a woman in giving birth near his stall, despite having no formal medical training. The vendor, Dominic Gekonge, explained that while he was working, the woman suddenly went into labor, prompting him and a few nearby women to act quickly.

Unable to find a doctor at a nearby hospital, Gekonge relied on his experience from witnessing his wife give birth."I went to get a doctor, but they were all busy. By the time I returned, the baby's legs were already out," Gekonge said to the mother after the delivery.

"I had no choice but to go back to the hospital for a razor blade and some clips. When I returned, I found the baby's body was out except for the head. I instructed the other women to help me deliver the baby, following what I had seen doctors do for my wife," he added.

Using the techniques he observed during his wife's deliveries, Gekonge clipped and cut the umbilical cord to separate the baby from the mother. He explained that despite others being hesitant to assist, he stepped up to help.

"After the baby was born, I used the clips and razor blade to cut the umbilical cord. I wrapped the baby in paper and handed it to the father, who then took the baby to the hospital in a taxi," Gekonge said. When the mother and baby arrived at Eagle Hospital, doctors praised Gekonge for his bravery in handling the situation.

Mercy Mathai, the hospital's Quality Assurance Officer, commended Gekonge for successfully delivering the baby, especially considering the complications of the birth. "I salute Dominic. As a man, he managed to deliver a breech baby, which is a challenging procedure. It is commendable that he acted swiftly and successfully. The baby is doing well," she said.