Kenya’s fertility rate has declined to 3.1 children per woman, down from 3.4 recorded in 2022, according to the latest findings by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The findings, contained in the Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2025/2026, point to a gradual decline in the average number of children women have across the country.
The survey highlights differences between rural and urban areas, with women in rural communities recording a higher fertility rate of 3.6 children per woman, compared to 2.6 in urban areas. The figures indicate that fertility remains considerably higher in rural parts of the country than in towns and cities.
Mandera Records Highest Fertility Rate
At the county level, Mandera recorded the highest fertility rate at 6.8 children per woman. Wajir followed with 5.8, while Tana River recorded 5.7. Turkana and Garissa also reported relatively high rates of 5.6 and 5.3, respectively. In contrast, Embu recorded the lowest fertility rate at 2.2 children per woman.
Kiambu and Mombasa followed at 2.3, while Nairobi and Kericho each recorded 2.6. Kirinyaga and Tharaka Nithi reported 2.7. The county differences highlight variations in fertility patterns across Kenya.
Teenage Birth Rates Decline
The survey also reported a decline in teenage birth rates, which dropped from 73 births per 1,000 girls to 63 births per 1,000 girls. Despite the improvement, teenage pregnancy remains a concern in several counties, with notable differences across the country. West Pokot recorded the highest teenage pregnancy percentage at 25 per cent, followed by Migori at 23 per cent and Kajiado at 20 per cent. Nyeri reported the lowest percentage at 2 per cent, while Isiolo and Makueni recorded 3.4 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively.
Improvements in Maternal and Child Health
Beyond fertility trends, the survey also points to improvements in maternal and child health indicators. The findings show an increase in the number of births taking place in health facilities, suggesting greater use of formal healthcare services during childbirth. Child mortality has also declined, indicating progress in child survival.
The latest figures provide an updated picture of Kenya’s population trends and reproductive health indicators, while highlighting differences between counties and the continued need to address teenage pregnancy and maternal and child health challenges.
