Lodwar: In Turkana County, the incidence of teenage pregnancies among girls aged 15-19 has reached 19 percent, surpassing the national average of 15 percent. This concerning trend was revealed in the latest Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, which was disseminated this Tuesday in Lodwar.

According to Kenya News Agency, Turkana County not only faces higher teenage pregnancy rates but also exhibits a greater fertility rate among women compared to the national average. Peter Wanjohi, an officer from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, highlighted that on average, a woman in Turkana County delivers six children, which is double the national average of three children.

During the meeting, Turkana County Commissioner Jacob Ouma addressed the issue, labeling the trend as unacceptable and highlighting the negative impact of such pregnancies on young girls. Ouma emphasized the importance of protecting girls from these burdens, advocating for their right to education without such interruptions.

The survey also showed that the use of modern family planning methods among married women aged 15-49 in Turkana is significantly lower at 31 percent, compared to the national average of 57 percent. Additionally, the unmet need for family planning in this age group is slightly higher in Turkana at 16 percent, against the national average of 14 percent.

The report further indicated that in terms of gender-based violence, 11 percent of women aged 15-49 in Turkana have experienced sexual violence, slightly lower than the national average of 13 percent. However, the incidence of physical violence experienced by women since the age of 15 is higher in Turkana at 42 percent, compared to 34 percent nationally.

Samuel Ekitela, County Chief Officer for Economic Planning, noted that the survey findings are crucial for planning, monitoring, and evaluating various programs and policies in the county. Reuben Muinzi, the county statistics officer, expressed readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to provide necessary information for effective planning.

The county commissioner further stated that these findings would aid development partners in identifying specific areas requiring intervention, emphasizing the importance of data-driven solutions to address the concerns of the local community.