By Irene Nasimiyu
Recent reports indicate a concerning trend in teenage pregnancies within Kenya, with Kakamega and Bungoma counties emerging as areas of particular concern. While national statistics show a welcome decrease in adolescent pregnancies in 2024, these western counties continue to register high numbers, signaling a persistent challenge that demands urgent attention and intervention.
According to the 2025 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the number of adolescents aged 10 to 19 seeking antenatal care for the first time dropped by 4.8% to 241,228 in 2024. This decline is also reflected in younger teens (10–14 years), with a 14.4% decrease, and older teens (15–19 years), with a 4.3% reduction.
Nairobi County recorded the highest proportion of teenage pregnancies at 6.1% in 2024, followed by Kakamega at 4.8%, and then Narok and Bungoma, both at 4.4%. This data underscores the urgent need to understand the underlying factors contributing to the persistently high rates in Kakamega and Bungoma, even as other parts of the country witness a decline.
In the village of West Bukusu in Bungoma County, I meet Anita (not her real name). She is 11 years old and preparing to visit her first antenatal clinic. Her dreams of becoming a teacher have been shattered. She now joins the growing number of young girls who become mothers at a tender age.
“I stayed with my cousin and his wife, who was pregnant. She delivered first. During that time, my cousin threatened me and got me pregnant. When the relatives found out, I was excommunicated from the area. My mother left us when we were young,” Anita narrates as tears roll down her cheeks.
Teenage pregnancy is a complex issue influenced by many factors. Elvis Kaiga Major, a gender champion and patron of the Major Self-Help Group and Tuseme Club Champion, shares his experience advocating for gender issues.
“The problem starts from home. Parents no longer talk about sexual and reproductive health education. Many adolescents lack adequate knowledge about their bodies, sexual health, and contraception. This lack of information can lead to unprotected sex and unintended pregnancies.
“Limited access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services is another challenge. Even when information is available, young people often face barriers in accessing contraceptives and related health services due to stigma, cost, or geographical limitations.
“Poverty can make girls more vulnerable to transactional sex and exploitation, increasing their risk of pregnancy. Financial challenges can also limit access to education and opportunities, making early marriage and childbearing seem like the only viable options for some.”
Alex Wanyama, who works with Resolve Communication under the Mulika Campaign, says their mission is to uncover hidden cases of rape and defilement and provide solutions.
“We work in Nairobi and parts of Kakamega, we’ve witnessed cases involving cultural norms that encourage early marriage and discourage open discussions about sex and contraception. We call upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to help us act and ensure perpetrators are punished accordingly.”
Helping Hand to Teen Mothers is a project spearheaded by the First Lady of Kakamega County, Prof. Janet Kassilly Barasa. Featured at Shalom Media Hub during one of her outreach programs, Prof. Barasa emphasized the importance of academic focus. “No more babies while in school,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
Events such as COVID-19, droughts, and floods increase family vulnerability and contribute to rising teenage pregnancies. Factors such as school closures and economic hardships during these periods play a significant role.
A study specifically comparing Kakamega and Bungoma during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the lack of basic needs and limited exposure to sexuality education as major contributing factors, exacerbated by the pandemic.
