The Forum for African Women Educationists Kenya chapter (FAWEK) has reported a significant reduction in teenage pregnancies. According to Nelly Naserian, FAWEK’s Director for Narok and Kajiado Counties, involving young men and boys in efforts to combat the issue has played a crucial role in decreasing the number of affected young women.
“Early pregnancy among teenagers in Kenya has been a problem for many years but the numbers have reduced significantly,” she said.
Nelly Naserian made these remarks during a sensitization clinic at a Nairobi hotel, where strategies to address teenage pregnancy were discussed. FAWEK, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing the “Imarisha Msichana Project” to significantly reduce teenage pregnancies in Kenya, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative is being rolled out in 20 counties: 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 highlighted that Narok leads with a 28% rate of teenage pregnancies, followed by Kajiado at 22%, and Nairobi at 18%. The discussions included contributions from boda boda operators, faith-based leaders, and representatives from the Ministry of Health.
“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.
The “Imarisha Msichana” programme is a significant component of the Mtoto Si Bibi Initiative, which has achieved notable success in preventing early pregnancies. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, published by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in January 2023, Kenya is making progress in tackling key issues such as female genital mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence.
The survey indicates that teenage pregnancy rates have decreased to 15% in 2022, down from 18% in 2014. It also highlights that poverty and lack of education are strongly linked to higher rates of adolescent pregnancy.
