Nairobi: Kenya has set an ambitious family planning target to increase modern contraceptive prevalence from 56.9 percent in 2017 to 64 percent by 2030. Family planning is a key lifesaving intervention that improves maternal and child health outcomes.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reveals that about six in ten married women use contraception, with 57 percent using modern methods and 6 percent relying on traditional methods. Speaking during a media briefing to mark World Contraception Day 2025 in Nairobi, Dr. Edward Serem, Head of the Division of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, stated that the country is intensifying efforts to expand access to family planning. The new targets aim to reduce adolescent pregnancies and enhance access to modern contraceptives.
Dr. Serem highlighted the goal to lower the unmet need for family planning from 14 percent to 10 percent, and to reduce adolescent pregnancy rates from 15 percent to 10 percent by 2025. He outlined recent innovations such as self-administered injectables like DMPA-SC, new contraceptive options such as the hormonal intrauterine device (HIUD), and digital systems to track and manage supplies.
Kenya's vision is for a future where every pregnancy is wanted, and no woman is denied access to her preferred family planning method. Dr. Serem emphasized that sustainable domestic financing is crucial to maintaining uninterrupted access to contraceptives. He called for stronger partnerships with counties, development partners, and communities to achieve family planning goals.
Dr. Serem acknowledged the critical support of development partners, civil society, and county governments, whose collaboration continues to advance access to family planning services across the country. The national commemoration of World Contraception Day on September 26, 2025, will be held at Makueni County Referral Hospital Grounds in Wote.
This year's theme is 'A Choice for All: Agency, Intention and Access,' with Kenya's adaptation, 'Chaguo La Wote; Making Contraception Accessible.' World Contraception Day, marked every September 26, aims to improve awareness of contraceptive methods and enable young people to make informed choices on sexual and reproductive health.