More than 1.4 million Kenyan women experienced unintended pregnancies in 2022, with a concerning 42% of them already using contraceptives at the time of conception. This is according to a new report on Unintended Pregnancy and its Impact in Kenya, which has raised alarms about the effectiveness and accessibility of contraceptive methods across the country.
The report attributes the high rate of unintended pregnancies to factors such as inconsistent or incorrect contraceptive use, limited access to preferred methods, and periodic stock-outs in public health facilities. Nyanza and Western Kenya were specifically highlighted for their inadequate and unreliable contraceptive supplies.
The consequences of unintended pregnancies extend beyond personal health, contributing to increased healthcare costs, unplanned births, and unsafe abortions—especially in regions lacking comprehensive reproductive health services.
Experts are calling for a multi-faceted response. Recommended interventions include increased investment in reproductive health, better distribution of contraceptives, expansion of the contraceptive method mix in health centres, and strengthened community education on proper contraceptive use.
While the report acknowledges a gradual rise in modern contraceptive use, it emphasizes that access alone is insufficient. Quality, reliability, and user education must be central to future reproductive health strategies.
As Kenya approaches a new budget cycle, health stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize funding for reproductive health to curb the recurrence of such high unintended pregnancy rates.
Written By Rodney Mbua
