EAS Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Abbreviated Key Title: EAS J Nurs Midwifery ISSN: 2663-0966 (Print) & ISSN: 2663-6735 (Online) Published By East African Scholars Publisher, Kenya Volume-4 | Issue-6 | Nov-Dec -2022 | DOI: 10.36349/easjnm.2022.v04i06.004 *Corresponding Author: Florence Mbuthia 196 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kiganjo/Mathari, B5, Nyeri, Kenya Original Research Article Opportunities and Challenges of Advanced Practice Midwifery (APM) in Kenya: A Discussion Paper Florence Mbuthia 1* , Joyce Jebet 2 , Elijah Kirop 3 1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kiganjo/Mathari, B5, Nyeri, Kenya 2 School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi, University Way, Nairobi, Kenya 3 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Moi University, Eldoret,Kenya Article History Received: 12.10.2022 Accepted: 19.11.2022 Published: 24.11.2022 Journal homepage: https://www.easpublisher.com Quick Response Code Abstract: Background: The high maternal and neonatal deaths remain a global concern especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. This is largely attributed to the limited skilled workforce including midwives who are required to offer quality maternal and neonatal care. Advanced Practice Midwifery (APM) training has been highlighted as critical in achieving high-quality maternal and neonatal care in all settings and countries. In Kenya, the APM training is at the initial stages, having been launched in May 2022. This paper presents the results of a literature review regarding opportunities and challenges for the APM training and practice with a goal of availing information to any institution willing to begin the program in Kenya and other LMICs. Methodology: A descriptive overview was undertaken through a rapid literature review of the relevant local and international literature to highlight the opportunities and challenges for the APM training and practice based on the Kenyan Context. Results: The APM training and practice has expansive opportunities such as the increased demand for quality care and reduced cost services, supportive policies, advances in technology, profession recognition and regularisation of the training and availability of midwives trained at lower levels. The challenges that the APM training is likely to experience includes; Lack of expert trainers, technological challenges, workload challenges due to the high population in need of the services and clinical environment challenges. Conclusion: APM training and practice has enormous opportunities despite the challenges that may be experienced. Therefore, for any institution preparing to start the APM training, there is need to exploit the existing opportunities and address the likely challenges to ensure the APM training and practice meets the desired outcomes. Keywords: Advanced Practice Midwifery, Midwife, Opportunities, Challenges. Copyright © 2022 The Author(s): This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use provided the original author and source are credited. INTRODUCTION Maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality remains a global burden and a public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where maternal mortality still remains significantly high despite numerous efforts and/or interventions (WHO, 2019). This has been compounded by inadequate workforce, including lack of skilled attendance especially midwives thereby hindering access to quality midwifery care (United Nations, 2019). Globally more than one million midwives are required who should be well- trained, skilled, and motivated midwives to help evert over 85% of the deaths (UNFPA, 2022). The roles of midwives in any given society cannot be underestimated. From time immemorial midwives have been highly regarded and respected in providing care that result into optimal health outcomes (Walker et al., 2014). Midwifery practice has been highlighted as critical in achieving high-quality maternal and neonatal care in all settings and countries (Schober, 2020). Midwives across the globe practice autonomously to the full scope of their practice. With continuous acquisition of knowledge and skills, they gain experience and are able to function at an advanced level of practice (Smith et al., 2010). It is paramount for any government to recognise this advanced role that midwives play and equip them with training that will enable them remain at per with other allied professional albeit being autonomous.