The study investigated the use of interpersonal communication in promoting maternal and child survival in West Pokot County, Kenya. The level of success of this intervention approach has been much lower than in many Counties in Kenya. Based on the study, this paper examines the different forms of interpersonal communication used to convey messages aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rate. The study adopted a mixed method research approach. A sample of four hundred (400) respondents was selected from the County. Cluster sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Qualitative data were collected using four key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The qualitative data was analysed thematically and then presented narratively. On the other hand, quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, then presented using a combination of narrative explanations, tables and graphs. The results from the research revealed that face-to-face interpersonal communication was the most popularly used form of interpersonal communication at 82%, while the use of mobile telephone was the least used with only 15%. The study recommends that the government should formulate a policy that incorporates software-based programs with mobile phone platforms to be used by Community Health Workers in prevention, management and monitoring of maternal and child health. This approach has proved successful in other developing countries to improve maternal and child survival.
Keywords: Convey Messages, Forms, Health Promoters, Interpersonal Communication, Kenya, Reducing Child and maternal Mortality, West Pokot County
