Kenya’s commitment to expanding access to family planning services has received a significant boost, with a fresh consignment of contraceptives delivered through a partnership between the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The Medical Services Principal Secretary, Ouma Oluga, has lauded the partners for their unwavering support towards the country’s reproductive health agenda.

Speaking at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) in Nairobi on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during the official handover of the commodities, Oluga expressed the government’s appreciation for the consistent backing from the UK and UNFPA.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I extend our sincere gratitude to FCDO and UNFPA for their commitment to strengthening Kenya’s reproductive health services,” Oluga said.

“Their continued support demonstrates a shared vision of equitable access to quality family planning services.”

The newly received shipment includes 16,272 sets of Levoplant, 69,800 doses of DMPA-SC, and 100,000 sets of Jadelle – modern contraceptive options that are vital to meeting Kenya’s growing reproductive health needs.

“These commodities will enhance contraceptive security across health facilities, reduce the risk of stockouts, and strengthen the reproductive health system,” he said.

 “It is estimated that this donation will help avert over 131,000 unintended pregnancies, reduce unsafe abortions, and ultimately save lives.”

The PS underlined the broader societal impact of family planning services, calling them a “strategic investment” beyond healthcare.

“Family planning is more than a health intervention—it is a human right and a strategic investment in our country’s social and economic development,” he noted.

“Access to voluntary contraception empowers individuals to make informed decisions, reduces maternal and child mortality, and enhances economic stability by enabling families to plan their future.”

He further noted that family planning is a powerful tool for advancing gender equality, offering women and girls the opportunity to pursue education and meaningful employment.

The partnership

Key representatives from the partner organisations were present at the event, including Eduarda Lobo Mendonça Gray, Deputy Development Director and Head of Sustainable Development at the British High Commission, and Anders Thomsen, UNFPA Country Representative in Kenya.

Gray reaffirmed the UK’s long-term commitment to Kenya’s reproductive health goals, highlighting the importance of inclusive partnerships.

 “Our collaboration with the Government of Kenya and UNFPA is rooted in our shared vision of improving lives, especially for women and girls,” she said.

“We remain committed to supporting Kenya’s efforts to expand access to modern contraceptives.”

Thomsen echoed the sentiment, noting that reproductive rights are central to achieving global development goals.

“Family planning is critical not just for health, but for dignity, rights, and economic progress,” he remarked.

The UK has been a key donor to Kenya’s reproductive health sector, with the FCDO playing an instrumental role in securing the supply and distribution of modern contraceptives nationwide.

To ensure sustainability and continued progress, Oluga noted that the Ministry of Health, through the National Treasury, has adopted a co-financing model with development partners.

He said the collaborative approach is designed to maintain momentum in delivering family planning services and extend access to marginalised communities.

Oluga said reproductive health remains a priority towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) calling for the strengthening of existing collaborations.

 “Let us continue to invest in the health and wellbeing of our people. Together, we can empower every Kenyan to make informed choices and build a healthier, more prosperous nation.”

𝐏𝐒 𝐎𝐥𝐮𝐠𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞

Medical Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has lauded the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office… pic.twitter.com/5b9Sl18ZUp

— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) June 18, 2025