Why More Kenyan Women Are Choosing to Delay Motherhood

According to a new Ministry of Health report released to mark World Contraception Day, nearly half of Kenyan women aged 15 to 49 no longer wish to have more children.

The report links this shift to increased access to modern contraceptive methods and changing social and economic conditions. It shows that around 30 per cent of women want to delay their next pregnancy, with a growing number choosing family planning as a long-term strategy. 

More than 6.5 million women across the country are currently using contraception.

Health officials estimate that current contraceptive use will prevent approximately 2.5 million unintended pregnancies and help avert 669,000 unsafe abortions. These efforts are also expected to save over 7,000 maternal lives, significantly improving public health outcomes.

Despite national progress, regional differences remain. Counties such as Nyeri and Embu report the highest contraceptive uptake, with around 70 per cent of women using family planning. In contrast, usage remains low in Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit and Garissa, where fewer than 14 percent of women access any form of contraception.  

Other counties, including Tana River, West Pokot, Samburu and Kwale, report uptake rates between 20 and 30 per cent. Nationally, 63 percent of married women use some form of contraception. Most rely on modern methods, including injectables, implants, pills, and intrauterine devices. 

Public health facilities are the main providers, serving 62 percent of users, while private providers such as pharmacies account for around one-third. The report identifies education and income levels as key factors influencing contraceptive use. 

Women with higher education and greater financial resources are more likely to use family planning services, indicating that knowledge and economic empowerment contribute to reproductive decision-making. The report also includes accounts from women explaining their choices. Lilian Njeri, a 30-year-old professional in Nairobi, cited the rising cost of living as a major reason for limiting family size. 

“The cost of education, healthcare, and city life makes it hard to raise many children,” she said. “I want to give my children the best life possible, which means fewer children.”

Another Nairobi resident, Roselyn Nekesa, said the decision also reflects concerns about personal wellbeing and career goals. “Families now prefer a number of children they can care for comfortably. It’s a difficult but necessary decision,” she said. “We carry the burden, physically, emotionally, professionally, so the choice has to be ours.”

According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya’s falling fertility rate reflects a broader cultural shift. Traditional views on large families are being reconsidered, with many households prioritising health, education, and economic stability.