Senators have urged the Ministry of Health to investigate the distribution, quality, and effectiveness of contraceptives in public health facilities nationwide following alarming findings from a recent study. 

Research by the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) revealed that Kenya recorded over 1.4 million unintended pregnancies in 2023.

The study, “Incidents of Induced Abortion and Related Complications in Kenya,” found that 35 per cent of women who used emergency contraceptive pills still conceived, raising serious concerns about contraceptive efficacy. 

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana led the charge, attributing the rising incidence of unintended pregnancies and abortion-related complications to ineffective contraceptive methods and gaps in reproductive healthcare services. 

“Protecting the reproductive rights and health of women and girls is not optional; it is a national imperative. We must act urgently to address this crisis and strengthen our reproductive healthcare systems,” Kibwana stated. 

Staff training 

She called on the Senate Health Committee and the Ministry of Health to establish comprehensive post-abortion care in public facilities, improve staff training, and enhance supply chains for critical services. 

Kibwana also challenged misconceptions about contraception users, noting that the APHRC study found 58 per cent of women interviewed were married, and 32 per cent had two or more children.

“This disproves the myth that only unmarried or promiscuous individuals seek contraception. In reality, it is a fundamental health and family planning necessity,” she explained. 

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma highlighted the neglect of adolescents as a key issue.

“Out of those who are pregnant, we have 150 who are aged 10 to 14 years,” she noted, advocating for sex education in schools to teach youth about the consequences of casual sex and the legal implications of underage sexual activity. 

Ledama ole Kina (Narok) connected the high abortion rates to poverty, particularly in informal settlements and public schools.