The percentage of married women using modern contraceptives in Kenya has increased significantly to 61 per cent from 36 per cent recorded in 2007.

This emerged on September 26, the date marked globally each year to reflect on the importance of contraception and its effects.

In 2021, it has been revealed that 58 million women still cannot get contraception across the world although they need it.

The statistics from the Kenyan Health Information System revealed that in the 2019-2020 financial year, family planning dropped to merely 5 million visits from the 5.4 million visits the previous year.

Speaking during the 2021 World Contraception Day, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr Rashid Aman said contraception is a key component of sustainable development, by empowering women, reducing risks of maternal and child mortality.

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He, however, added that while contraception services have remained largely accessible to people with high-class income, marginalized communities and people with special interests have not been so lucky.

“A large number of Kenyans in remote areas are unable to make hospital visits either due to distance or to minimize the risks of contracting COVID-19,” said Dr Aman.

He added that majority of Kenyans lost their sources of livelihood because of the Covid-19 pandemic and this saw them prioritize the provision of basic needs for their families over reproductive health care.

The CAS said that in the current financial year, the health budget  increased from Sh111.7 billion to Sh121.1 billion, funds which will go towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which also covers family planning services.

He challemged men to more involved in the conversation and decisions on family planning.