Kenya is among the five countries in the world with the lowest funding for contraceptive needs, a new report shows, highlighting the challenges faced by millions of people who require birth control products.
The Family Planning Market 2024 report shows that only 50 percent of Kenya’s contraceptive needs are funded, leaving millions of people without access to this essential commodity—contributing to the global contraceptive funding gap, which currently stands at $157 million (Sh20.29 billion).
The Kenya National Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan for 2020-2024 estimates that Sh7.9 billion is needed annually to meet the country’s family planning needs.
Other countries contributing to this funding gap include Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Malawi, which account for 72 percent of the shortfall.
Globally, the funding gap increased by $10 million (Sh1.29 billion) in 2024 compared to 2023, while the proportion of unmet need remained at 50 percent.
“This significant and growing funding gap highlights the need for more robust and sustainable financing strategies,” the report states.
Despite these challenges, the report shows that Kenya has made progress in the distribution of contraceptives over the five years from 2019 to 2023.
Male and female condoms accounted for the largest share, with over 91.3 million units distributed, and remain the most accessible method, offering both pregnancy prevention and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Male condoms
Long-term methods have also seen increased uptake, with 4.3 million implants distributed over five years, reflecting their growing popularity for their reliability and convenience.
Injectables remain to be a widely used option, with five million doses distributed over the same period, providing short-term but effective contraception for many women.
Although distributed in smaller quantities, intrauterine devices (IUDs), both copper and hormonal, accounted for 921,515 units.
Meanwhile, 7.6 million packs of oral contraceptive pills were distributed, demonstrating their importance in Kenya’s family planning landscape.
From 2022 to 2023, the total value of the contraceptive market increased by nine percent, from $259 million (Sh33.47 billion) to $282 million (Sh36.44 billion), mainly due to increased spending on male condoms and higher procurement volumes for combined and progestin-only oral contraceptives, which increased market volume by 15 percent.
Despite these successes, the current supply of contraceptives is insufficient to meet growing demand, especially as Kenya’s population continues to grow.
“Addressing this challenge requires a collaborative approach that includes increased government investment, donor support, and innovative solutions to ensure sustainable access to family planning products. By bridging this funding gap, Kenya can make significant strides in improving reproductive health, empowering its communities, and promoting long-term socio-economic development,” the report states.
