This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
On World Population Day, Kenya's Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman spoke about the recent increase in teenage pregnancies, stating that the numbers are not as alarming as reported.
According to Aman, the total number of teenage pregnancies reported from January is 150,433, which is lower than the 175,488 recorded during the same period last year.
Aman emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to combat the issue, involving various stakeholders such as ministers, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and faith-based organizations.
He called on these groups to work together as agents of change to end teenage pregnancies.
Earlier this year, data published by the Kenya Health Information System indicated that 152,820 teen pregnancies had been reported nationwide since March.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha had previously called for tougher action against individuals who sexually assault girls, while also urging parents to pay more attention in guiding their children morally.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had directed the National Crime Research Centre to probe the escalating cases of teenage pregnancies, including violations of children's rights.
As part of this probe, the Centre was instructed to prepare an advisory for security agencies on remedial action and initiate immediate prosecution of all violators.
