Adolescent pregnancy remains a critical public health and development challenge in Kenya, with significant health, social, and economic consequences for girls, their families, and the nation. Despite ongoing efforts, adolescent pregnancy rates in Kenya remain high, particularly in marginalised counties, posing a threat to national goals on health, education, gender equality, and socio-economic development. This evidence brief synthesises findings from 15 peer reviewed studies conducted in Kenya and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to identify actionable interventions for reducing adolescent pregnancy. The evidence highlights a complex interplay of factors, ranging from poverty, harmful social norms, and weak enforcement of […]

Adolescent pregnancy is a major global public health and development challenge (1,2). The World Health Organization estimates that 21 million adolescent girls aged 15-19 years become pregnant annually, with nearly half giving birth (3). Most of these pregnancies occur in LMICs, particularly sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where structural barriers, poverty, limited access to SRH services, harmful gender norms, and weak policy implementation amplify risks(1,4). Adolescent pregnancy is linked to higher risks of maternal mortality, preterm birth, poor neonatal outcomes, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV. This evidence brief is based on a rapid review of peer-reviewed literature examining barriers, facilitators, and interventions […]