The 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey has revealed that the number of births delivered in hospitals has increased from 65 percent in 2014 to 88 percent in 2022.
Further, the survey shows the national fertility rate has declined from 4.9 percent in 2003 to 3.4 percent in 2022 with Mandera County with the highest at 7.7 while Nairobi with the least at 2.6 percent.
Nairobi was followed by Nyamira and Machakos at 2.7 and 2.8 children respectively. Kirinyaga, Mombasa, and Kiambu also recorded a low fertility rate at 2.8, 2.9 and 2.9 children respectively.
Counties that recorded the highest fertility rate are Mandera (7.7), West Pokot (6.9), Wajir (6.8) and Marsabit (6.3).
There are 2 births per 1,000 women aged 10-14 years and 73 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 years in the three years before the survey. Most pregnancies resulted in live births at 88 percent while less than 1 percent resulted in induced abortions.
“This marks a significant decrease from the 2014 figure of 3.9 children per woman. Women in Nairobi City have the lowest average number of children as the total fertility rate among Kenyan women declines,” the report stated.
The report was launched today at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre where the Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha
In addition, the survey indicates that the national under-5 mortality rate has halved from 115 deaths per 1,000 in 2022 with the Western region recording the highest number of fatalities.
In the report, Samburu, West Pokot, Marsabit and Meru counties lead in teenage pregnancies while Nyeri Nyandarus, Kirinyaga, Vihiga, and Nairobi counties have the lowest percentages.
On nutrition indicators, Kenya has made progress in reducing the prevalence of stunting among children under five years from 26 percent in 2024 to 18 percent in 2022.
On menstrual hygiene, 97 percent of women between the ages 15 to 49 years have access to a place to clean and change pads during periods.
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