The well-being of our children and the fight against teenage pregnancies: a shared responsibility. This is the resounding call from the Kenyan government, urging a unified front of families, communities, and institutions to safeguard the future of young people. But how can we achieve this? Let’s dive in.
During a recent Senate plenary session, Gender, Culture, and Children’s Services Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo emphasized that protecting children and addressing teenage pregnancies demands a collective effort. She highlighted the importance of early education, raising awareness about biological processes, and active community engagement.
“This is a societal problem that requires collective action,” Cheptumo stated, underscoring the need for more funding, even with support from the World Bank and other partners. It’s a clear message: the responsibility doesn’t fall solely on the State Department for Children’s Services.
Cheptumo urged parents and community leaders to play a crucial role, especially during school holidays, by guiding children and preventing early pregnancies.
Addressing Underfunding and Improving Efficiency:
The Cabinet Secretary also outlined reforms to tackle long-standing underfunding within the State Department for Children’s Services. To improve efficiency and ensure better delivery of child welfare programs, the ministry is implementing a multi-front strategy. This includes securing higher budget allocations and integrating child protection financing into national planning frameworks.
To streamline operations, the ministry is enforcing strict compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (2012) and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act (2005), along with its 2020 regulations. These measures aim to eliminate bureaucratic delays and enhance accountability. Furthermore, the ministry has empowered accounting officers to approve payments within set limits and enlisted engineers and quantity surveyors to improve project cost accuracy.
Supporting Victims and Strengthening Services:
Cheptumo also highlighted the Victim Protection Fund, established under the Victims Protection Act of 2014, as a vital resource for supporting victims of crime and abuse, including children.
As of June 2025, there were 714 children’s officers serving across all 47 counties, reaching over 18 million children. While acknowledging staffing challenges, Cheptumo assured senators that recruitment and better resource allocation are underway to strengthen child protection services.
Teenage Pregnancy Statistics and Regional Disparities:
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals that teenage pregnancies are most prevalent in Nairobi City, Bungoma, Kakamega, and Narok counties. In 2024, these regions recorded between 2.8 and 6.2 percent of adolescent pregnancies.
But here’s where it gets controversial… Nationally, pregnancies among girls aged 10–19 dropped by 1.9 percent to 253,300. Cases among those aged 10–14 declined by 9.5 percent to 11,831, while those aged 15–19 fell by 1.5 percent to 241,483. The 2025 report indicated further progress, with total adolescent pregnancies at first antenatal visits reducing by 4.8 percent to 241,228. Despite the decline, Nairobi City (6.1 percent), Kakamega (4.8 percent), Narok (4.4 percent), and Bungoma (4.4 percent) remain the highest contributors.
A Call to Action:
Addressing teenage pregnancies and protecting children requires a multifaceted approach. It’s not just about government policies; it’s about a collective commitment from every member of society.
And this is the part most people miss… While the statistics show progress, significant challenges remain. What specific actions do you think are most crucial in addressing this issue? What role should communities play? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with the government’s approach, or do you see alternative solutions? Let’s start a conversation!