Nairobi girls have the lowest fertility in Kenya

A government survey has found that counties in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) have the highest fertility rates in Kenya. The survey, which was released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), found that Mandera has the highest fertility rate at 7.7%, followed by West Pokot with 6.9%, Wajir with 6.8%, and Marsabit with 6.3%.

The survey also found that Nairobi has the lowest fertility rate in the country, at 2.6%. This is followed by Nyamira with 2.7%, Machakos with 2.8%, and Kiambu with 2.9%.

The high fertility rates in ASAL counties are attributed to a number of factors, including illiteracy, lack of access to modern contraceptives, and cultural norms that encourage large families.

The survey also found that the overall fertility rate in Kenya has declined significantly in recent years. In 1989, the average woman had 6.7 children. This number has since declined to 3.4 children in 2022.

The decline in fertility rates is attributed to a number of factors, including increased access to education and family planning services, as well as changes in social and economic conditions.

The survey also found that fertility rates vary significantly depending on a woman’s level of education and wealth. Women with no education have an average of 6.3 children, while women with more than secondary education have an average of 2.8 children.

Similarly, women in the lowest wealth quintile have an average of 5.3 children, while women in the highest wealth quintile have an average of 2.7 children.

The survey’s findings suggest that Kenya is making progress in reducing fertility rates. However, there are still significant disparities in fertility rates between different groups of women. These disparities need to be addressed in order to ensure that all women have access to the resources they need to plan their families.