Cases of teenage pregnancies have reduced significantly, the Forum for African Women Educationists Kenya chapter (FAWEK) has said.
FAWEK Narok and Kajiado County Director Nelly Naserian said bringing on board young men and boys in the fight against the menace has helped in reducing the number of victims.
“Early pregnancy among teenagers in Kenya has been a problem for many years but the numbers have reduced significantly,” she said.
Naserian spoke at a sensitisation clinic at a hotel in Nairobi where deliberations on how to curb the menace were discussed.
FAWEK in partnership with Mastercard Foundation is undertaking a project known as the " Imarisha Msichana project" which aims to significantly reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy in Kenya beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
The programme is being implemented in 20 counties namely; Nakuru, Nairobi, Machakos, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kiambu, Garissa, Bungoma, Kakamega, Nyeri, Migori, Murang’a, Kajiado, Narok, Homa-Bay, Trans-Nzoia, Nyandarua, Busia, Meru, Siaya, and Turkana.
Naserian noted that Narok leads with cases of teenage pregnancies at 28 per cent followed by Kajiado (22 per cent) with Nairobi coming third at 18 per cent.
Boda boda operators, faith-based administrators and representatives from the Ministry of Health took part in the deliberations.
“We are grateful for the participation and support of all stakeholders and look forward to the positive impact this conference will have on our communities,” Naserian added.
Imarisha Msichana programme is a key initiative within the Mtoto Si Bibi Initiative which has registered gains as far as the prevention of early pregnancies is concerned
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 key indicators report released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in January 2023 showed the country is making progress in reducing the national prevalence of FGM, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence.
The household-based survey shows that teenage pregnancy rates declined to 15% in 2022, from 18% in 2014.
Poverty and a lack of education were associated with higher rates of adolescent pregnancy.
