Teenage Pregnancy Declines to 11.9% in Kenya, New KNBS Survey Shows

NAIROBI, Kenya — According to the 2025/2026 Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey (KMDHS), teenage pregnancy in Kenya has declined to 11.9% among girls aged 15 to 19, down from 14.8% in 2022, according to a new national survey. The survey also revealed a decrease in the adolescent birth rate from 73 to 63 births per 1,000 girls in the same age group, indicating a decline in childbirths among teenage girls.

The survey, conducted across all 47 counties, highlights significant disparities in adolescent reproductive health across regions. Counties such as Turkana, Samburu, West Pokot, Narok, and Kajiado were identified as having the highest teenage pregnancy levels. KNBS official Rosemary Bowen emphasized that the survey findings would enable the national and county governments to allocate resources effectively to improve adolescent health and reproductive services.

Rosemary Bowen stated, "The findings provide updated data for the government and county administrations to identify areas requiring greater investment in adolescent health and reproductive services." Neema Kimambo, the World Health Organization representative in Kenya, echoed the importance of the survey, noting that it should enhance services for women, children, and adolescents, especially those at risk of being overlooked.

Kimambo cautioned that national averages might conceal important differences among communities, urging policymakers to utilize the survey results to address barriers to essential services. "National averages conceal important differences," Kimambo cautioned. The comprehensive survey aims to guide national and county development planning by providing updated indicators.