This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Unplanned pregnancies have become a significant barrier to progress in Kenya, with tens of thousands of young girls affected every year.
According to a report presented to the Senate Committee on Education, over 11,000 schoolgirls became pregnant last year, with 2,885 in primary schools and 9,065 in secondary schools.
One in five 15-19-year-olds in Kenya is estimated to be pregnant, a statistic that has barely changed in the past 25 years, with the number of unreported teenage pregnancies believed to be higher.
Investing in universal health coverage (UHC) and family planning can help address the issue, with every dollar invested in family planning estimated to save $4 in areas like healthcare, education, and sanitation.
Delaying the first birth and spacing childbirth can also help parents invest more in each child's nutrition, health, and education, giving every child the best start in life to fulfill their potential.
Kenya's youthful population presents an opportunity to reap the 'demographic dividend' by investing in family planning and UHC, which can help drive the push for UHC and achieve the 'Big Four Agenda'.
Ms. Jane Godia, acting executive director/trustee of the African Gender and Media Initiative (GEM) Trust, emphasizes the importance of investing in young people and harnessing their energy to achieve sustainable prosperity.
