Naema Celestine 
Faith Nyongesa
Teen pregnancies refers to pregnancies that occur in individuals who are teenagers, typically between the age of 13-19yrs. Based on statistics carried out on 2nd June 2023 by Bungoma County Referral Hospital, over 20,000 of teenage girls became expectant in the past two years hence making Bungoma county to be among the top counties in Western Kenya with the highest number of teenage pregnancies.
Hence through this platform, we aim to raise awareness and advocate for solutions to support young individuals facing these challenges not only in Bungoma county but also countrywide. Causes of teen pregnancies in Bungoma county can stem from various factors including;
Limited access to reproductive health services. A lot of teens in Bungoma may tend to face barriers in accessing reproductive health services, including contraceptives and family planning counselling. Furthermore, stigmatization due to lack of confidentiality and distance to healthcare facilities can hinder young people’s ability to seek and receive necessary care and support
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Lack of comprehensive sexual education. Many adolescents lack access to inclusive sexual education that covers topics such as contraception consent, benefits of abstinence, gender identity, boundary setting, reproductive health among others. Without proper knowledge and information, young people may engage in unprotected sex, leading to unintended pregnancies.
Cultural norms and practices. Cultural beliefs and practices exercised in the interior party of Bungoma County may perpetuate early marriages and pregnancies. Tradition customs such as early initiation into adulthood rites or arranged marriages can pressure young individuals into becoming sexually active and starting families at a young age.
Socio-economic challenges. Poverty and economic hardship can increase the vulnerability of adolescents to early pregnancies. Limited access to educational and economic opportunities may push young individuals towards early sexual activity as a means of survival or to seek financial support from older partners.
To curb this predicament Governor Kenneth Lusaka urged Bungoma residents to report such cases to the relevant authorities for action. In addition to that HAKI Africa launched a five-year plan in Bungoma to fight teenage pregnancies and FGM. Other ways of inhibiting the growth of teen pregnancies includes;
Empowerment through education; Education plays a crucial role not only in empowering young individuals to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health but also equipping them with knowledge and skills to make responsible decisions.
Youth engagement. Empowering young individuals to become advocates for their sexual and reproductive health rights is essential. Through youth -led initiatives, peer education programs and youth friendly platforms we can amplify the voice of young people and involve them in shaping solutions to address pregnancies.
Policy Advocacy. Advocating for evidence-based policies and program is vital in addressing early pregnancies at a systemic level. This includes advocating for comprehensive sexuality education in schools, improving access to contraceptive services, and implementing policies that support young parents in pursuing education and employment opportunities.
Community support. Communities play a crucial role in supporting young individuals facing early pregnancies. By fostering inclusive spaces and providing access to support networks, mentoring programs and childcare services, communities can help mitigate the challenges young parents may encounter.
In conclusion, together we can work towards creating a world where all young individuals have the knowledge, support, and opportunities they need to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.
