1.4 million unintended pregnancies as women using contraceptives also conceive

More than 1.4 million Kenyan women experienced unintended pregnancies in 2022, despite being on contraceptives. 

The findings a report on Unintended Pregnancy and its Impact in Kenya have raised concerns about the effectiveness and availability of contraceptive methods across the country, particularly in underserved regions.

Approximately 1.44 million, were unintended in 2022. Most concerning is that approximately 42% of these women were already using some form of contraceptive method at the time of conception.

The report attributes this high failure rate to multiple factors, including the incorrect or inconsistent use of contraceptives, lack of access to preferred methods, and occasional stock-outs in public health facilities. 

In particular, Nyanza and Western regions have been flagged for experiencing low and inconsistent contraceptive supply, worsening the crisis of unintended pregnancies.

The unintended pregnancies have far-reaching consequences beyond individual health. It includes costs incurred from additional health services, unplanned deliveries, and unsafe abortions, which remain prevalent in areas with restricted access to comprehensive reproductive health services.

Experts are now calling for a multi-pronged approach to address the gaps. These include boosting investment in reproductive health, improving the distribution and availability of contraceptive commodities, and strengthening community-based education programs on proper contraceptive use.

Additionally, the report advocates for the expansion of the method mix available in local health centres to ensure women can access the type of contraception most suited to their health and lifestyle needs.

Despite the challenges, the report acknowledges some progress, noting that the use of modern contraception has increased over the years. 

However, the persistence of such high unintended pregnancy rates signals that access alone is not enough; quality, reliability, and user education is needed.

As policymakers gear up for budgetary planning, stakeholders in the health sector are urging the government to prioritize reproductive health funding to prevent similar figures in the years to come.