A new report titled “Situational Analysis Report on the State of Teenage Pregnancies” has revealed that over 100 underage girls are being married off to potential suitors daily in Nairobi.
Released by Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), the report draws on data from 20 counties, including Nakuru, Machakos, and Turkana, and points to a crisis that spans across both urban and rural regions.
The report, part of the Imarisha Msichana project backed by the Mastercard Foundation and the Forum for African Women Educationalists, is aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies and reintegrating affected girls back into school.
Data collected in August 2024 highlights that Kenya’s teenage pregnancy rate is averaging 27.4 percent. Narok, Kajiado, and Turkana counties recorded the highest incidences, with rates of 43.3 percent, 35.6 percent, and 34.2 percent, respectively.
In contrast, Murang’a, Nyandarua, and Nyeri showed comparatively lower rates, at 9.2 percent, 8 percent, and 6 percent.
The report’s findings underscore a worrying trend among Kenya’s youth. According to the Kenya National Demographic and Health Survey Report 2022, young people aged 15 to 19 make up 18.7 percent of the country’s population, with nearly a million residing in Nairobi alone.
“The Situational Analysis Report on Teen Pregnancies in Kenya is a testament to our commitment to understanding and addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy. The insights gained will be invaluable in shaping our future interventions. Addressing teenage pregnancy is not just about reducing numbers, it's about transforming lives and communities.” Said Teresa Omondi-Adeitan, Deputy Executive Director, FAWE Africa.However, despite stringent penalties under Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act of 2016, child marriages and teenage pregnancies persist.
Engaging in sexual acts with minors carries severe punishments, with life imprisonment for offenders of victims under 11 years and minimum sentences of 20 and 15 years for those defiling minors aged 12-15 and 16-18, respectively.
Experts suggest that social and cultural factors, including the stigma surrounding contraceptives, particularly in schools, may be fueling the rise in teenage pregnancies.
The Imarisha Msichana project continues to advocate for increased education on reproductive health and more comprehensive community support to tackle these pressing issues.
