Nine in ten Kenyan births now happen in health facilities, and fewer teenagers are pregnant
A new national survey finds gains since 2022, but the WHO warns that national averages hide big gaps between counties.
Nairobi — Kenyan mothers are more likely to give birth with skilled help than four years ago, according to the 2025/26 Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey, released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
What changed since 2022
- Births in health facilities: 91%, up from 88%.
- Births with a skilled attendant: 92%, up from 89%.
- At least four antenatal visits: 72%, up from 66%.
- First check-up in the first three months: 36%, up from 29%.
- Girls aged 15 to 19 who have ever been pregnant: 11.9%, down from 14.8%.
- Adolescent birth rate: 63 per 1,000 girls, down from 73.
The survey covered all 47 counties, and the differences between them remain large. The bureau's Rosemary Bowen named Turkana, Samburu, West Pokot, Narok and Kajiado as having the highest teenage pregnancy levels, and said the data will show governments where to invest.
Neema Kimambo, the WHO representative in Kenya, urged policymakers to look past the averages and find those still facing barriers to care.
Source: Capital FM via allAfrica, Capital FM via allAfrica, November 2026.
