By John Kariuki

Dr. Edward Serem, Head of the Division of Reproductive Health, has revealed that approximately 76 percent of women of reproductive age in Kenya are in need of contraception. Drawing from the latest Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), Dr. Serem emphasized that this data underscores the pressing importance of expanding access to family planning services nationwide.

According to Dr. Serem, 46 percent of women of reproductive age report that they do not wish to have any more children, while an additional 30 percent intend to delay their next pregnancy. “These figures highlight a substantial demand for reproductive autonomy and indicate a critical gap in contraceptive provision that must be addressed,” he noted.

Dr. Serem stressed that meeting this demand is not only vital for individual women’s health and empowerment but also essential for broader public health outcomes. “Ensuring access to comprehensive contraceptive services allows women to make informed choices about their reproductive lives, prevents unintended pregnancies, and strengthens maternal and child health across the country,” he explained.

He further highlighted the Ministry of Health’s commitment to reinforcing family planning programs, intensifying awareness campaigns, and making modern contraceptive options widely available in both urban and rural settings. “Our goal is to equip every woman with the knowledge and tools she needs to make decisions that safeguard her health and her family’s future,” Dr. Serem affirmed.

The reproductive health expert also pointed to the importance of integrating family planning services into community health initiatives, ensuring health workers are fully trained to provide counseling, education, and a comprehensive range of contraceptive methods tailored to the diverse needs of Kenyan women.

Dr. Serem concluded that addressing the contraceptive needs of women is a key pillar in achieving Kenya’s broader health and socio-economic objectives. “Empowering women to control their reproductive health is not just a matter of policy—it is central to advancing equity, improving health outcomes, and fostering sustainable development for the nation,” he said.