Kenya records 240K teenage pregnancies in 2024 – Report
By William Muthama, October 8, 2025Kenya recorded an alarming 240,000 pregnancies among teenagers aged 10 to 19 in 2024, alongside 19,991 new HIV infections in the same age group, according to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, acting CEO Douglas Bosire said these figures translate to roughly 660 adolescent pregnancies per day, highlighting the scale of unprotected sexual activity among the country’s youth.
“On average, that’s about 660 pregnancies every day among adolescents aged 10 to 19. These numbers reflect how much unprotected sex is happening, and the consequences are life-changing for these young people,” Bosire said.
Also watch: Overcoming early teenage pregnancies.
He added that many teenagers today have never witnessed someone living with advanced HIV disease, unlike in the 1990s, when the epidemic was more visible and devastating.
Bosire recalled that earlier awareness campaigns relied heavily on donor funding, with large-scale public sensitisation efforts, including billboards and community programmes.
“We had more resources back then to educate young people and communities. Now, as a nation, sustaining that level of awareness is a challenge,” he said.
While the numbers show improvement, adolescent pregnancies dropped from nearly 396,000 in 2019 to 240,000 last year, and new HIV infections among teens fell 45% from 36,200 in 2021 to 19,991 in 2024.
Also watch: New HIV injection to cost Kenyans only Ksh5K a year.
Bosire cautioned against complacency. “We are making progress, but we are not at a point where we can call it success,” he said.
He highlighted a troubling pattern: regions with high teen pregnancies also report higher cases of sexual and gender-based violence. “This shows the complex challenges young people face. It’s not just about biology; it’s about their environment, protection, and access to guidance and care,” he said.
Bosire urged parents, guardians, and communities to step up in educating and supporting young people. “Every pregnancy prevented, and every HIV infection avoided, is a life given a better chance. Our youth need our attention, care, and protection to shape a safer future,” he said.