Despite success in family planning services provided by the government, misconceptions and misinformation on contraceptives remain a threat to the uptake of modern contraceptives in Kenya.

‘The Government is working towards improving sexual and reproductive health literacy through appropriate and gender-specific interventions to reach the youths with factual information while strengthening the use of community outreaches and counseling by community health volunteers to influence knowledge, attitude, skills, and practices related to family planning use at the community level’ said the health CS Mutahi Kagwe.

According to Lillian Mutea from USAID, by helping women and girls limit pregnancies, the provision of family planning services is a cost-effective intervention that saves the lives of women and children.

The technical team, department of health, Mombasa County converged earlier to review the uptake of contraceptives among women of childbearing age. Though optimistic about the progress made, they acknowledged that more needs to be done.

The conservative culture of the coast poses a challenge in raising awareness, as most people shun the use and discussion of contraceptives. ‘Using youth-friendly centers has helped in holding discussions with the young on matters surrounding sexual reproductive health’ said Josephine, a county health worker at Mvita clinic.