County Government of Busia · Youth handbook 2026
Your future. Your choice.
17 in every 100 teenage girls in Busia get pregnant too early. It does not have to be you.
Busia County, 2026. 16.9 out of every 100 teenage girls, about 17. Together we can change this number.
The numbers
What teenage pregnancy is, and where Busia stands
Teenage pregnancy
Pregnancy during adolescence, generally among girls aged 10 to 19 years. It can affect a young person's education, health, emotional well-being, relationships and future economic opportunities.
It can happen early
A girl can become pregnant once ovulation begins, even if she has only recently started menstruating, and before she feels physically, emotionally or socially ready to be a mother.
girls out of every 100 in Busia County in 2026
girls out of every 100 across Kenya in 2026
Busia County fell from 17.4 in 2025 to 16.9 in 2026
Teenage pregnancy by sub-county
Out of every 100 girls. Every sub-county has a role to play in bringing the number down further.
Between 2025 and 2026, three sub-counties went down (Nambale, Samia and Teso North), Matayos stayed the same, and four went up (Bunyala, Butula, Teso Central and Teso South). The county number fell, but not everywhere.
Busia and its neighbours
Percent of women aged 15 to 19 who have ever been pregnant, as printed on the handbook's county map. Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The sub-county charts and the county map measure different things, so compare bars within one chart only.
Causes and dangers
Why it happens and what it costs a girl
Early pregnancy takes away a girl's health, her schooling and her dreams. Knowing what puts girls at risk is the first step to staying safe.
Why it happens
What puts girls at risk
- Limited knowledge about sexual health and reproduction
- Poor decision-making skills and low self-esteem
- Peer pressure and influence from social media
- Social gatherings (disco matanga, keshas, back-to-school parties), especially without adult supervision
- Persuasion by older boys and men
- Transactional sex (sex for money or gifts)
- Child marriage
- Alcohol and drug use
Dangers of early pregnancy
What it can do to a girl
- Anaemia (lack of enough blood in the body)
- High blood pressure in pregnancy, which can be life-threatening
- Difficult labour because the body is still growing. It can cause lifelong injury or even death
- Unsafe abortion attempts that can end in death
- Low birth weight and premature babies
- Mental and emotional distress
- Education stopped for a time or for good, and fewer chances for further education and work
- Stigma, discrimination and rejection
Sex at a young age is risky, with or without pregnancy
It exposes girls to HIV and other infections, to pressure, sexual violence and exploitation, and to fear, shame and emotional hurt.
Sex with a child under 18 is a crime in Kenya (defilement). It is never the girl's fault.
Myths and facts
What you may have heard, and what is true
Do not depend on rumours. Tap a statement to see the fact.
8 common myths
MythA girl cannot become pregnant the first time she has sex.
Pregnancy can occur even on the first time.
MythA girl cannot become pregnant if she has not started regular periods.
Ovulation can occur before a first or regular period.
MythYou cannot get pregnant during your period.
Pregnancy is still possible because cycles vary and sperm can survive for several days.
MythSex is safe as long as a girl does not get pregnant.
Sex at a young age is risky even without pregnancy. It can bring HIV and other infections, pressure, violence, fear and emotional hurt.
MythTalking to adolescents about sex encourages sex.
Accurate, age-appropriate information helps young people make informed decisions.
MythOnly girls are responsible for teenage pregnancy prevention.
Pregnancy prevention is a shared responsibility between boys and girls.
MythA pregnant adolescent should be rejected.
She needs health care, protection, support and opportunities to continue her life.
MythSexual violence is the victim's fault.
Sexual violence is the responsibility of the perpetrator.
Protect yourself
Choices and boundaries that keep your future yours
Pressure is not love. No one has the right to pressure or force you, and gifts or money do not mean you owe anyone anything.
Make healthy choices
Habits that protect your future
- Practise abstinence from sex
- Concentrate on your education
- Develop personal career goals
- Set personal boundaries
- Avoid alcohol, drug and substance abuse
- Use social media wisely
- Spend time with productive friends
- Take part in sports and youth activities
- Resist peer pressure and persuasion by boys and men
When you feel pressured
What you can do in the moment
- Say "No" clearly and firmly. You do not owe anyone an explanation
- Walk away, leave early or go with a trusted friend if you feel pressured
- Choose friends who respect your choices
- Remember that gifts, money, lifts or promises are not love. You owe nothing in return
- Be careful with older boys and men who give you special attention or gifts
- Never accept sex in exchange for money or gifts
- Avoid being alone with someone who pressures you
- Tell a trusted adult if someone keeps pushing you
Be careful when someone
Warning signs
- Entices you to have sex
- Threatens you
- Controls your friends or your phone
- Demands sexual photographs
- Gives gifts in exchange for sex
- Uses alcohol or drugs to influence you
If you do decide to have sex, use contraceptives
They are readily available at nearby hospitals and clinics. Ask a health worker which method is right for you. Condoms also protect against HIV and other infections.
Key messages for adolescent girls
Seven things to remember
- Protect your future: delay sexual activity until you are ready and able to make responsible decisions.
- Your body belongs to you. You have the right to set boundaries and say NO.
- No one should force you into sexual activity. This is sexual harassment. Report anyone who sexually harasses you.
- Talk to a trusted adult or qualified health worker when you have questions about sexual and reproductive health.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs that can impair your judgement and increase vulnerability.
- A healthy relationship is based on respect, consent, trust and responsibility.
- Pregnant adolescents need support, not stigma.
Get help
You will not be laughed at. You will be helped.
Think you may be pregnant, or need advice, care or protection? Go early to your nearest hospital or youth-friendly clinic. It is private.
County Government of Busia
Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
info@busiacounty.go.ke
What you can do
- TalkTell one adult you trust: a parent, teacher, counsellor or health worker.
- Say NO to pressureYou decide when you are ready. Nobody can force you.
- Get true informationAsk at a youth-friendly clinic. Do not depend on rumours.
- Go earlyThink you may be pregnant? Go to the clinic quickly. You will not be laughed at.
- Stay in schoolPregnancy is not the end of learning. Ask your school how to continue.
If someone forces or pressures you
- Get to a safe place.
- Tell a trusted adult.
- Report it.
It is NOT your fault.
Your nearest hospital or clinic
You can seek help at a nearby hospital or clinic. If you think you may be pregnant, or you need advice, care or protection, go to your nearest hospital or youth-friendly clinic. Health workers will help you.
You deserve information, safety, respect, healthcare and a chance to learn and build your future.