When Lucy* gave birth to her preterm baby at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) at just 16, she was overwhelmed. “I was unprepared for the financial and emotional costs that come with pregnancy and to make the mater worst my child was too small that I even feared getting near her,” she confessed.
Her story is not unique in Kenya, where teenage mothers face significant healthcare challenges, exacerbated by societal stigma and limited resources.
In Bungoma County, 17-year-old Emily* juggled sitting for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams while her newborn was in intensive care. Like Lucy, Emily initially hid her pregnancy, fearing backlash from her family, before fleeing to Nairobi.
“I was scared to tell anyone, even to go to a clinic,” Lucy recalls. “It was only after my baby was born early that I knew I needed help.”
Such cases highlight the growing need for targeted support for adolescent mothers in Kenya.
Recognizing this, Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) has introduced a standalone health coverage scheme specifically designed for teenage mothers, a significant shift aimed at addressing the gaps left by previous programs like Linda Mama.
Robert Ingasira, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of SHA, announced that teenage mothers will be required to register and accorded special numbers different from the parents cover.
He explained that the new policy will incorporates using a ‘temporary ID’ system within SHA’s Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS),which will allow expectant teenagers to be identified independently, addressing previous complications linked to parental identification.
“We’ve introduced a special identification number exclusively for teenage mothers,” he explained. “This will enable them to register at health facilities and access a comprehensive maternity benefit package after undergoing means testing.”
Ingasira expounded that the new temporary ID system will help solve initial challenges which required teenage mothers to be identified using their mother’s ID, which led to complications, For instance, he explained some mothers were reported to have given birth twice in one year because their IDs were used for both their own delivery and that of their daughters.
“For teenage mothers, we now have a ‘temporary ID’ option, allowing them to register separately from their parents,” Ingasira said adding that “The SHA teenage mothers cover will employ means-testing process, which evaluates an individual’s financial capacity,which is central to this program.”
According to Ingasira, teenage mothers will answer 17 questions about their income, possessions, and lifestyle, allowing the system to determine their annual premium.
“If a teenager is found to be vulnerable and cannot afford the premiums, the government will step in to cover the costs,” Ingasira said. “If the family is capable, they will pay the full amount.”
Despite the promise of extended coverage, the rollout of the SHA program has not been without controversy. The transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and its Linda Mama program has created confusion, with some government officials insisting that Linda Mama remains operational.
“There’s uncertainty about whether young mothers without independent insurance access can fully rely on this new scheme,” said a healthcare official who wished to remain anonymous.
According to the healthcare worker the registration process itself is very complicated. She wondered why SHA is saying that the scheme is being piloted after the whole health care coverage has been rolled out in all the whole country. Lastly she questioned the legality of compelling teenagers who are under 18 to engage in a legally binding contract.
The Ag CEO SHA told journalists that new system is currently being piloted at Pumwani Maternity Hospital.
Ingasira defended the new program, highlighting its year-round coverage compared to Linda Mama’s limited scope. “This option ensures that teenage mothers have access to healthcare services for an extended period,” he stated. He also announced plans for a nationwide rollout across all contracted health facilities.
Adolescent mothers face heightened risks during pregnancy and childbirth. According to health experts, complications such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, and systemic infections are more common in young mothers.
“Maternal mortality is highest among adolescent mothers under 15 years, According to maternal health specialists complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for girls aged 10–19 globally. We need effective strategies to mitigate these risks.
Health advocates emphasize on the importance of education and access to contraceptives. “Barriers like legal requirements for parental consent often prevent young girls from accessing the care they need,” she said.
The SHA program aims to address these challenges by ensuring adolescent mothers receive the necessary medical support. However, effective implementation will require clear communication, sufficient funding, and continued advocacy for the rights of young mothers.
For Lucy and Emily, and countless others like them, the new scheme offers a glimmer of hope. As Lucy puts it, “I didn’t know how to cope, but knowing there’s support gives me strength.”
The success of Kenya’s initiative could serve as a model for other countries grappling with the complexities of adolescent maternal healthcare, contributing significantly to global goals of reducing maternal mortality and achieving universal health coverage.
Teen Mothers names in the story have been changed to protect identities.