Busia County has launched a campaign to reduce teenage pregnancies by increasing access to contraception and reproductive health information among adolescents and young mothers. The initiative, commemorated on September 26 under the theme "My Contraception, My Choice, My Future," brought together young mothers, community leaders, health officials, and reproductive health partners. The goal is to encourage informed reproductive choices and address the systemic factors driving early pregnancies.
According to 2026 Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) data, Busia's adolescent pregnancy rate stands at 16.9%, above the national rate of 15.5%. County Gynaecologist Dr. Janerose Ambuchi stated that these figures demonstrate the need for stronger interventions targeting adolescents and young women. The data highlights the importance of ensuring young people have access to accurate information and reproductive health services.
Contraceptive uptake in Busia lags behind national benchmarks, currently standing at 47% compared to the national rate of 60%. Dr. Ambuchi emphasized the need to intensify awareness and ensure young people can access the services they need. The county government, along with implementing partners, is focusing on empowering young people to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and future.
The sub-counties with the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in Busia are Bunyala at 20.8%, Butula at 19.4%, Teso Central at 18.7%, and Samia at 18.6%. Nambale recorded 16.0%, Matayos 15.1%, Teso South 14.6%, and Teso North 13.7%. Dr. Ambuchi stressed that areas with high rates require targeted interventions, including community awareness, youth-friendly services, and sustained engagement with adolescents and young mothers.
The World Contraception Day event in Busia brought together partners, including TIKO, Y-PLUS, Mildmay International, and KMET, who joined the county in promoting reproductive health awareness and supporting programs aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancies. The county government and its partners are working together to address the issue of teenage pregnancies and improve reproductive health services for young people.
Dr. Ambuchi emphasized the importance of ensuring adolescents receive the right information at the right time and can access reproductive health services without barriers. The county government is committed to making reproductive health services more accessible and youth-friendly, in order to reduce the high rates of teenage pregnancies in Busia.
The campaign in Busia aims to encourage young people to make informed choices about their reproductive health and future. By increasing access to contraception and reproductive health information, the county hopes to reduce the high rates of teenage pregnancies and improve the overall health and well-being of young people in Busia.
Key points
- Busia County's adolescent pregnancy rate stands at 16.9%, above the national rate of 15.5%.
- Contraceptive uptake in Busia is at 47%, compared to the national rate of 60%.
- The county government is working with partners to promote reproductive health awareness and support programs aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancies.
