The Kenyan government has introduced special health cards for teenage mothers to ensure they receive consistent and stigma-free access to essential healthcare services.
Announced by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Saturday, the initiative targets adolescent mothers who often face social stigma, financial hurdles, and systemic neglect. The cards will enable young mothers to access uninterrupted antenatal and postnatal care, immunisation, family planning, and psychosocial support.
“This move ensures that young mothers, who frequently face barriers to care, are no longer left behind,” said Duale. “It signals a shift from reactive to inclusive healthcare, integrating vulnerable teens into our national health systems.”
Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing issue in Kenya. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), one in six girls aged 15–19 has either given birth or is currently pregnant. The issue is particularly severe in counties like Narok, Homa Bay, and Tana River, where rates surpass the national average.
Many adolescent mothers drop out of school and are socially ostracised. Without access to healthcare or education, they become trapped in a cycle of poverty. A 2023 report by the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) highlighted the critical link between teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and intergenerational poverty.
The health card initiative complements social protection schemes like Linda Jamii and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which promotes good health and well-being for all. It also comes as the country operationalises UHC through the newly established Social Health Authority.
The Ministry of Health is working in collaboration with county governments and community health promoters to register beneficiaries and ensure follow-up care. Experts underscore that in addition to medical care, the inclusion of psychosocial support will be key in helping young mothers regain confidence and reintegrate into school or vocational training.
As Kenya moves forward with this inclusive approach, the health cards offer a lifeline for teenage mothers, empowering them with the tools and support they need to rebuild their futures.
