Research Briefs
Adolescent pregnancy remains a critical public health and development challenge in Kenya, with significant health, social, and economic consequences for girls, their families, and the nation. Despite ongoing efforts, adolescent pregnancy rates in Kenya remain high, particularly in marginalised counties, posing a threat to national goals on health, education, gender equality, and socio-economic development. This evidence brief synthesises findings from 15 peer reviewed studies conducted in Kenya and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to identify actionable interventions for reducing adolescent pregnancy. The evidence highlights a complex interplay of factors, ranging from poverty, harmful social norms, and weak enforcement of […]
Adolescent pregnancy is a major global public health and development challenge (1,2). The World Health Organization estimates that 21 million adolescent girls aged 15-19 years become pregnant annually, with nearly half giving birth (3). Most of these pregnancies occur in LMICs, particularly sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where structural barriers, poverty, limited access to SRH services, harmful gender norms, and weak policy implementation amplify risks(1,4). Adolescent pregnancy is linked to higher risks of maternal mortality, preterm birth, poor neonatal outcomes, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV. This evidence brief is based on a rapid review of peer-reviewed literature examining barriers, facilitators, and interventions […]
Current evidence shows that about 95% of neonatal deaths could be prevented through timely, equitable, and quality interventions. Kenya has introduced progressive policies such as free maternity care and community health strategies, leading to gains in facility deliveries and maternal service utilisation. However, persistent gaps in quality of care, infrastructure, human resources, and equity continue to limit impact. This evidence brief synthesises data from 12 key studies in Kenya and comparable low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to outline actionable strategies for breaking the cycle of preventable neonatal deaths. It calls for strengthening health system capacity, scaling up proven community and […]
Despite decades of investment, the unmet need for modern contraception remains high across low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Kenya. Women of reproductive age continue to face barriers such as misinformation, weak health systems, limited access to quality services, and restrictive gender norms. Although Kenya’s policy frameworks, including the Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (2017–2022) and the National Reproductive Health Policy (2022–2032), provide strong guidance, implementation challenges persist, particularly in rural areas. Download to read more:
Despite progress in expanding access to modern contraceptives in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa, uptake remains unacceptably low among women of reproductive age, particularly in rural, arid, and marginalised settings. This policy brief synthesises evidence from 17 studies conducted between 2015 and 2025 across Kenya and other Sub-Saharan African countries. It identifies key sociocultural, systemic, and structural barriers to contraceptive use and proposes actionable, context-specific policy responses. Addressing these barriers is crucial to reducing unintended pregnancies, enhancing maternal and child health outcomes, and achieving national and global development targets, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 and SDG 5. Download to read […]
This evidence brief presents synthesised findings from a rapid review conducted to support the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Kenya in operationalising the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for a minimum of eight antenatal care (ANC) contacts during pregnancy. Despite policy alignment, only 4% of pregnant women in Kenya complete all eight ANC visits, reflecting persistent barriers at multiple levels of the health system. The review draws on 11 studies conducted between 2017 and 2024 in Kenya and other comparable low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting both systemic and community-level constraints to ANC utilisation. Download to read more:
Antenatal care (ANC) is essential for maternal and newborn survival, yet most women in Kenya delay their first visit, with only 29% initiating within the first trimester (KDHS, 2022). Early ANC enables timely detection of complications, facilitates preventive interventions, and leads to improved pregnancy outcomes. Kenya has introduced major financing reforms, the Free Maternity Services Policy (2013) and Linda Mama (2017), which expanded access to skilled maternity care and increased facility deliveries. However, these policies have had limited effect on when women begin ANC. Hidden costs, knowledge gaps, cultural barriers, and uneven implementation continue to delay care. Evidence shows that […]
The global clean energy transition is essential for climate resilience but risks worsening gender inequality if women are excluded from its design and benefits. In Africa, women’s limited access to capital, technical training, and decision-making opportunities hinders their participation in the energy sector. A review of studies and interviews highlights both these challenges and successful models like Solar Sister, which show the impact of women-led initiatives. The brief recommends increasing women’s roles in energy governance, investing in financial and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and creating tailored financing for women entrepreneurs to ensure an equitable and inclusive energy […]
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious public health, human rights, and socio-economic issue in Kenya despite strong legal and policy frameworks. Survivors continue to face stigma, fear, weak law enforcement, and limited access to justice and support services. A targeted literature review of 34 studies (with 9 meeting inclusion criteria) found persistent service gaps but also identified promising interventions such as multi-sectoral coordination, stronger forensic systems, survivor centered economic empowerment, community-based mental health support, and digital tools for protection. The evidence brief calls for a coordinated, survivor centered, and multi-sectoral approach that integrates health, legal, economic, psychosocial, and technological responses […]
AI has the potential to transform energy access in low- and middle-income countries by improving affordability, reliability, and efficiency through innovations like predictive maintenance, smart metering, and energy forecasting. These tools support decentralised renewable energy systems, especially in off-grid areas. However, without inclusive design and governance, AI risks reinforcing existing gender and social inequalities. To ensure equitable energy transitions, governments and development partners must prioritise gender-responsive design, build local technical capacity, and establish strong ethical governance frameworks. Read more:
Public Accountability Committees (PACs) in Africa play a crucial role in governance, but they face significant challenges, including limited independence and insufficient resources, weak legal mandates, and low public engagement. Drawing on a thematic review of 30 studies and key stakeholder consultations, this evidence brief outlines reform priorities, including strengthening legal frameworks, boosting resource allocations, integrating advanced technology, and enhancing public engagement. Implementing these recommendations can significantly enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust across African governance systems, thereby improving PACs operation. Read more:
Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), which comprise over 89% of the country’s landmass, are increasingly affected by climate change-induced droughts, erratic rainfall, and environmental degradation. These regions, home to millions of Kenyans who rely on pastoralism and rain-fed agriculture, face heightened food insecurity and disruptions to their livelihoods. This policy brief synthesises recent research and proposes strategic recommendations to enhance food security and resilience in these vulnerable areas. It emphasises the need for an integrated policy framework that mainstreams climate resilience, promotes gender inclusivity, invests in sustainable land and water management, and strengthens early warning and social protection systems. […]