Kenya commemorated World Contraception Day 2025 on September 26th at the Makueni County Referral Hospital Grounds in Wote. The theme for the day was “A Choice for All: Agency, Intention and Access,” with Kenya’s localized adaptation being “Chaguo La Wote; Making Contraception Accessible.”
The ceremony, attended by a broad group of stakeholders including health officials, local leaders, and community representatives, was graced by Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili, standing in for Makueni Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. The event underscored Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that every woman has access to safe, affordable, and voluntary family planning options.
Dr. Albert Ndwiga, representing the Ministry of Health, spoke on the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance family planning services. He revealed that the Ministry is in the process of developing a Family Planning Policy aimed at increasing the national uptake of contraceptives, which remains a critical public health challenge. Despite progress, 14% of women in Kenya still face unmet family planning needs, with certain regions reporting contraceptive use as low as 1%.
Dr. Ndwiga highlighted that access to family planning is a cornerstone of both national health and economic development. He called for a boost in domestic financing to reduce reliance on external donors and strengthen local programs. The importance of male involvement in family planning was also emphasized, as Dr. Ndwiga noted that men often remain barriers to women’s access to contraceptive methods.
A key point raised during the event was the need for voluntary and informed choice in family planning. Dr. Ndwiga made it clear that no woman should ever be coerced into family planning decisions. He urged for continued support for the government’s initiatives, stressing that women must have the freedom and agency to decide on their reproductive health without fear of judgment or obstruction.
The event also served as a platform to appreciate the efforts of Makueni County’s leadership and community organizations in supporting family planning initiatives. Through partnerships and increased community engagement, Kenya aims to close the gaps in family planning access and ensure that all women can exercise their reproductive rights freely and responsibly.
