Murang’a: Murang’a County has been ranked among the counties with the lowest teenage pregnancy prevalence rates in Kenya, recording a rate of 9.2 percent. According to Kenya News Agency, the situational Analysis Report on teen pregnancy in Kenya was released by the Forum for African Women Educationalist Kenya (FAWEK). The report examines the current state of teenage pregnancy across 20 counties where FAWE aims to significantly reduce the incidents.
According to Kenya News Agency, The report, developed in partnership with MasterCard Foundation through the Imarisha Msichana Programme, revealed that teenage pregnancy among girls aged 15 to 18 years stands at 27.4 percent. During the launch of the report, FAWE Africa Deputy Director, Ms. Teresa Omondi, emphasized the importance of the insights gained, noting that they will be instrumental in shaping future interventions. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to not just reducing numbers but also transforming lives and communities.
The data presented in
the report are crucial for formulating targeted and effective interventions that will help lower teenage pregnancy rates and improve socioeconomic conditions in affected areas. The report identified Narok, Kajiado, and Turkana counties as having the highest prevalence rates, while Nyeri, Nyandarua, and Murang’a were noted for having the lowest.
Recommendations from the report include parental education, family life counseling, school mental health programs, law and policy enforcement, and financial support for needy students. It also advocates for awareness programs in schools to educate on laws and policies related to teen pregnancy, and the establishment of forums like the Tuseme Clubs to empower girls.
MasterCard Foundation Acting County Director, Hannah Tsadik, expressed that the report should act as a catalyst for action, providing solutions that unlock opportunities for young women, men, and their communities. Additionally, the event recognized gender-responsive reporters for their contributions to re
porting on sexual and reproductive health rights, with FAWE Kenya CEO Jeanette Nyanjom emphasizing the crucial role of media in promoting gender equality.
The Imarisha Msichana Programme has trained 250 journalists to enhance their reporting on gender issues with sensitivity and accuracy, significantly aiding the fight against teenage pregnancy.