West Pokot County in Kenya is struggling with high poverty levels, with an average of 67% of its residents living below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 45%. The county's population has grown rapidly due to low family planning uptake, with a fertility rate of 7.2% and an average of 7-8 children per woman.
According to the 2014 Kenya Demographic Health Survey, family planning uptake in West Pokot is only 26%. This has resulted in a high number of teenage pregnancies, with 29% of women in the county having given birth before the age of 20.
Experts say that cultural and religious beliefs are major barriers to family planning in West Pokot. Many women in the county do not use modern contraceptives, with only 10% of women in the county using them. Men in the Pokot community often believe that it is the duty of women to practice family planning, while they themselves do not participate in the practice.
West Pokot County has the least number of health facilities in Kenya, making it difficult for women to access family planning services. The county's topography also makes it hard for women to access health facilities, with many health centers located far apart.
Experts say that addressing the high population growth rate in West Pokot will require a multi-faceted approach, including education and awareness campaigns, improving access to family planning services, and addressing cultural and religious barriers to family planning.
