At least 60 per cent of sexually active adolescents do not use any form of contraception, this is according to a survey by International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya (ICRHK).
The survey further found that at least 40 per cent of adolescents of age 15 years to 19 years have had sex.
Peter Gichagi, the principal researcher, urged organisations that deal with the youth of the target demographic should interact with the results obtained to ensure that they have a concrete plan of dealing with adolescents and improve their lives in matters of reproductive health.
“Six in 10 adolescents had a curiosity as their motivation for first sex, while 1 in 10 was motivated by the influence of a substance,” he reported.
The report further interrogated the access to information on family planning.
The survey showed that only 16 per cent of youth aged 15-19 had prior knowledge of family planning or had discussed the subject with a healthcare provider.
Interesting to note is that there was an increase in contraceptive usage among unmarried, sexually active women in Kenya from 62 percent to 64 per cent between 2020 and 2021
The most preferred form of contraception was implants and injectables for most married women in the country.
The study, which targeted women aged 15-49 years, showed the necessity of further engagement among women in reproductive health matters.
The data that made the organisation arrive at that conclusion is that at least 41 per cent of pregnancies remained unintended.
Ministry of Health’s head division for Reproductive health and maternal care, Dr Stephen Kaliti alluded to the fact that the ministry will use data from such reports while making policy changes and future planning for the nation.
“Kenya pledged to increase the modern contraceptive prevalence rate for married women from 58 per cent to 64 per cent by 2030; such data is critical in monitoring the progress that has been made so far,” he stated.
The research was conducted in 11 counties, a sample size representing the whole country’s situation.