By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) today condemned the government’s chronic underfunding of sexual and reproductive health services, warning that failing policies are pushing women and girls toward life-threatening unsafe abortions.
During a press briefing in Nairobi, the commission highlighted findings from a 2023 joint study conducted by the Ministry of Health, the African Population and Health Research Centre, and the Guttmacher Institute, revealing that 792,694 induced abortions occurred in Kenya last year.
The report also noted that over 50% of women experiencing post-abortion complications sought treatment in ill-equipped public hospitals, and alarmingly, only 18.3% of primary health facilities provide full post-abortion care, while a mere 24.1% of referral hospitals offer comprehensive services.
“Women are dying because the government refuses to fund basic healthcare,” said a KHRC spokesperson.” These deaths are preventable.”
Budget Cuts, Broken Promises
Despite the Abuja Declaration’s call for 15% of national budgets to be allocated to healthcare, Kenya’s health sector continues to suffer from significant underfunding. In the 2022-2023 budget, only 4.89% (Sh146.8 billion) was allocated, far below the target.
The following year, the allocation rose to 9.7% (Sh142 billion), but it remained insufficient. For 2024-2025, the budget increased slightly to 11% (Sh127 billion), yet this was another failure to meet the commitment.
Even essential programs like free maternal healthcare experienced drastic cuts, suffering a 50% reduction from Sh4 billion to Sh2 billion within a single year.
Rape Survivors Forced into Unsafe Abortions
A 2023 Center for Reproductive Rights report exposed how rape and defilement survivors are denied legal abortions under Article 26(4) of Kenya’s Constitution, which permits abortion to save a woman’s life or health.
“Survivors face stigma, arrest threats, and a broken health system,” the KHRC stated. “Many turn to backstreet abortions, risking death.”
Teen Pregnancies, School Dropouts, and Systemic Neglect
The commission links underfunding to rising teen pregnancies resulting from sexual violence, mass school dropouts as pregnant girls face exclusion, and an increase in unsafe abortions among desperate adolescents.
“A 15-year-old rape survivor shouldn’t have to choose between an unsafe abortion or dropping out of school,” the KHRC said. “Yet Kenya’s policies force this choice every day.”
KHRC’s Demands: Immediate Action Needed
The commission actively joined the Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (RHRA) in demanding that the government increase health funding to 15% in the 2025-2026 budget, with a focus on prioritizing reproductive care.
They called for accountability in institutions handling rape and defilement cases to ensure justice and provide support for survivors.
Additionally, the commission urged the expansion of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including access to emergency contraception and safe abortion where legal.
They emphasized the need to enforce mandatory school re-entry for pregnant girls and to launch nationwide anti-stigma campaigns to protect survivors.
“Kenya’s women deserve better,” the KHRC declared. “Stop the neglect. Fund healthcare now.”
