Young people more prone to HIV/STDs and unwanted pregnancies

Young people between age 15-24 years constitute about 60% of the total population of Kenya. They are usually more sexually active than the general population making them to be at more risk of HIV /STDs infections and having unwanted pregnancies. It is due to these reasons they are usually among the vulnerable group in the society.

According to African population and health research done in Kenya 2014, almost half of the pregnancies in age group 15-24 years are usually unplanned for. Lack of access to sexual reproductive health services and information was the main cause of these unwanted pregnancies. Cases of new HIV infections are on the rise amongst young people. According to the Kenya demographic and health survey 2014, women and men between ages 15-19 have lower levels of knowledge on HIV prevention methods. Over 30% of young people in Kenya are not knowledgeable about methods of HIV prevention. Incorrect use of condoms has been cited as one of the factors that has led to new HIV infections in the country.