By Georgina Akoth, DevReporter, Kisumu County
Rising cases of teenage pregnancy has become a significant public health concern in Kenya. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in Kenya, 1 in 5 girls get pregnant annually? while still teenagers.
Linet Otieno (not her real name) narrated to us how becoming a teenage mother made her face a lot of criticism.
“Being pregnant at a young age was not easy for me…. Getting criticism from friends and parents who feel like you are a disappointment [was] a big thing for me to swallow,” said the teenage mother, who got pregnant at the age of 19.
“Coming from a humble background came with a lot of responsibilities, and adding another member to the family at that age and while schooling, was hard for me,” Linet added.
Although there is a state directive that allows free antenatal care to pregnant teenagers and a policy allowing teenage mothers to return to school, interventions such as psychosocial and empowerment are crucial aspects which also need to be looked at.
“I had to do everything possible to help myself and the baby, having been criticised by family and friends, not even an empowerment intervention from the society came about.
“Being a first time mother, this is the time you need a support system because you have no knowledge of how to take care of a baby.”
Teenage pregnancy statistics
According to the Ministry of Education in Kenya, over 13,000 teenage girls drop out of school annually because of pregnancy (Kenya Data and Health Survey, 2014).
Recent media reports show that 449 girls are failing to sit for their final examinations, while others write their examinations while admitted in maternity wards. This is a red flag on the girl child’s education, health and opportunities, not to mention societal failure overall.
During this Covid-19 period, many cases of teenage pregnancy have been reported with the mean age being 10-19 years.
According to the Kisumu Health Information System, in 2020, Kisumu County reported 17 percent of teenage pregnancies. The areas which recorded many cases include Nyalenda, Manyatta, Kondele, and Obunga.
According to the recent Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, teenage pregnancy is at 18 percent and cases are rapidly increasing, with 3 percent of five to ten-year-old girls carrying their first pregnancy, and 40 per cent of 10-19-year-olds giving birth or are pregnant.
Factors contributing to teenage pregnancies
Lack of access to education, peer pressure, early engagement in sexual activities and rape are some of the factors contributing to teenage pregnancies.
According to Ida Odinga Trust Foundation, only a small percent of early pregnancy victims continue with their education after delivery.
Through its Linda Kesho Programme, the Ida Odinga Trust Foundation equips young people with comprehensive sexual reproduction information.
“The biggest problem is that information on comprehensive sexual reproduction is not provided in schools,” said Ida Odinga Trust Communications Head, Brian Odhiambo Otieno.
Prevention of teenage pregnancies
Those concerned with the welfare of teenagers should ensure that children learn to abstain. The various organisations concerned with teenage welfare should support them by educating them about sexual abstinence and techniques of contraceptive use to improve social development.
Related articles
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancy
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/2-of-teen-mothers-return-school/
