National Council for Population and Development

The National Council for Population and Development today hosted members of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) in a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration on adolescent and youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).
The meeting, organized in collaboration with the Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK), focused on key areas including:
Sensitizing religious leaders on adolescent and youth SRH; and popularizing the upcoming 9th RHNK Pan-African Adolescent and Youth SRH Scientific Conference to enhance participation among faith leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the NCPD Ag. Director General, Ms. Fidelis Ndung'u, Deputy Director in charge of Advocacy underscored the critical role of partnerships and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the pressing SRH challenges affecting young people.
She noted that the Council in collaboration with the religious leaders developed "Adolescent Health and Well Being Guidelines" a commitment by religious leaders to end the Triple Threat Menace in the Country.
The Executive Director of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), Mr. Linus Nthigai, reaffirmed the commitment of faith leaders to support the upcoming conference.
He highlighted the importance of a moderated and inclusive approach that accommodates diverse religious perspectives while advancing the SRH agenda.
Ms. Jane Nyanjom of RHNK provided an overview of the 9th RHNK Conference, scheduled to take place in Mombasa from 2nd to 5th June 2026, emphasizing its significance as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strengthened partnerships in advancing adolescent and youth SRH across the continent.

The National Council for Population and Development Board of Management, Senior Management, and Staff wishes all Kenyans a joyful and blessed Easter.
May this season remind us of the power of sacrifice, compassion, and selflessness, values that inspire us to serve one another and build a stronger, more united nation. 🇰🇪

Youths hold the key to Kenya’s future, but far too many are locked out of opportunities.
Join us for a critical conversation on e-IDADI, a podcast of the National Council for Population and Development as we address the plight of the rising number of young people Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) in Kenya.

🗓 Tuesday, 31st March 2026
⏰ 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Live on X Spaces via
Featuring insights from experts and youth leaders as we unpack solutions and drive action.

Safeguarding Kenya’s Family Planning Gains: NCPD Engages Young Parliamentarians.

At a time when Kenya stands at a critical crossroads in its reproductive health journey, the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), together with partners, convened a high-level dialogue with members of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association to address a growing concern of Family Planning Commodity Security.
For years, Kenya has made steady progress in expanding access to family planning. Modern contraceptive use has risen from 53% in 2014 to 57% in 2022, while unmet need has dropped from 18% to 14%. These gains have translated into healthier families, improved economic outcomes, and expanded opportunities for women and young people.
But beneath this progress lies a pressing challenge, today, the country is facing critical shortages of family planning commodities. At the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), 12 out of the 13 contraceptive methods are either below minimum stock levels or completely out of stock. With an annual requirement of approximately US$22.9 million for family planning commodities, a significant financing gap remains.
The situation is further complicated by heavy reliance on donor funding, ongoing donor transitions, and delays in government procurement, all of which have exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
During the dialogue, participants raised urgent concerns. Stock-outs are already limiting method choice for women and families, disrupting continuity of care, and threatening to reverse the hard-won gains in reproductive health. In addition, inconsistent disbursement of allocated budgets continues to hinder timely procurement and distribution of essential commodities.
Speaking at the meeting, the Acting Director General of NCPD, Ms. Lucy Kimondo, called on young parliamentarians to take a leading role in addressing these challenges.
She urged them to champion increased domestic financing for family planning commodities, strengthen oversight on budget allocation and expenditure, and advocate for ring-fenced funding for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH). She also emphasized the need for policies that support sustainable procurement and resilient supply chain systems.
The message was clear: family planning is not just a health issue, it is a development priority.
Access to family planning saves lives by reducing maternal and child mortality, supports economic stability for families, and empowers women and young people to pursue education and opportunities. Without urgent action, however, Kenya risks a rise in unintended pregnancies, particularly among vulnerable populations and in ASAL counties where inequalities persist.
Encouragingly, the dialogue ended with renewed commitment and a shared sense of purpose.
Participants pledged to strengthen collaboration between Parliament, government, and development partners, advance policy and financing solutions to close commodity gaps, and ensure greater accountability in budget implementation.
As Kenya looks ahead, one thing is certain: protecting the gains in family planning will require bold leadership, sustained investment, and collective action.

The National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) is currently in Busia County for a high-level community dialogue focused on the intersection of population dynamics, climate change, and food security.
The dialogue, presided over by the Deputy County Commissioner, Busia County, Mr. Leo Amimo, has brought to the forefront alarming statistics shaping the county’s development outlook.
Data indicates that 45% of the population is food poor, 52% live below the poverty line, and 18% of children under five are affected by stunted growth.
These concerning figures underscore the urgency of the discussions, as stakeholders examine the underlying drivers of food insecurity, including the growing impact of climate change on livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
The forum has convened a diverse group of stakeholders from both national and county levels to deliberate on practical, context-specific solutions aimed at improving food security and building resilience among vulnerable populations.
The dialogue is taking place at Ado Hotel in Busia Town.

From Commitment to Action: Every Life Counts

As global leaders gather in Nairobi for the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference 2026, one message is coming through clearly: this is no longer just about commitments, it’s about urgency, accountability, and action.

At a high-level dialogue at the EDGE Convention Centre, partners from across Africa came together to confront a difficult truth: despite years of effort, far too many mothers and newborns are still dying from preventable causes.

Speaking on behalf of the Acting Director General of the National Council for Population and Development, Assistant Director of Population Beatrice Okundi shared a sobering reality that Kenya loses 15 mothers and 92 newborns every day.

These are not just statistics, they are families shattered, dreams cut short, and futures lost.

Many of these deaths are linked to the “three delays” delays in seeking care, reaching care, and receiving quality care, and behind these delays are deeper challenges: gaps in access, inequality, and strained health systems.

But one thing is clear, there is hope as Kenya is taking bold steps strengthening health systems, expanding Universal Health Coverage, investing in skilled health workers, digitizing services, and ensuring life-saving commodities are available where they are needed most.
With nearly 30 million Kenyans already registered under the Social Health Authority, the foundation for a more inclusive health system is taking shape.

With just a few years to meet the Sustainable Development Goals targets, the path ahead demands more than policy, it calls for collective responsibility.
And since Government alone cannot do it, real change will come from stronger partnerships with counties, communities, civil society, faith-based organizations, private sector, and development partners all working together.
It will require not just more resources, but better use of those resources, with accountability at every level.
Because this is bigger than health systems, It’s about saving lives, protecting families, and securing the future.

The future of maternal and newborn health in Africa will not be shaped by promises but by action. And that action must be now.

The side event on shaping the future of MNCH/FP policy and health financing for Healthier Mothers and Newborns was organised organized by the SASA Alliance partners, JHPIEGO, PPD ARO and Pathfinder Nigeria

24/03/2026
Nurturing Trees, Nourishing Futures!

The Adopt-a-Tree Initiative is empowering children to actively participate in environmental conservation by planting, nurturing, and taking responsibility for trees under their care.
Earlier today the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) distributed 600 fruit tree seedlings to students at Siera Primary School in Nambale, Busia County.
Each student adopted to water, and care for their tree, instilling a lifelong culture of environmental stewardship.

Gracing the event was the Principal Secretary, State Department for Economic Planning, Dr. Boniface Makokha, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action.
Beyond conservation, the initiative carries long-term socio-economic benefits.
Once mature, the fruit trees will provide vital nutrition for the students, while surplus produce can be sold to generate income, supporting vulnerable learners and strengthening the school community.
The initiative also encourages school retention, as students remain engaged and invested in watching their trees grow.

Already implemented in Nyeri and Bungoma counties, and now in Busia, this initiative is complemented by a mentorship programme that actively involves parents and community members.
Together, stakeholders are working to address key societal challenges, including the triple threat, through sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Plant a tree, grow a future!!!!

Today, the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) had the privilege of hosting the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Economic Planning, Dr. Boniface Makokha, at Sierra Girls Secondary School in Busia County for a meaningful tree planting exercise and mentorship engagement.
Led by Acting Director General, Madam Lucy Kimondo, the team planted 600 fruit seedlings, each one a symbol of hope, sustainability, and a healthier future for our communities.
This initiative, under the Adopt a Fruit Tree program, is more than just planting trees, it is about nurturing resilience.
It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action by strengthening our capacity to respond to climate-related challenges, while also contributing to broader goals such as ending poverty, improving nutrition, supporting education, promoting decent livelihoods, and enhancing overall well-being.
Fruit trees offer lasting value at the household level, provide accessible, nutritious food, create opportunities for income generation, and play a vital role in empowering families especially women and children.
Beyond that, they enrich biodiversity, improve soil fertility, support carbon sequestration, and increase tree cover, key pillars in the fight against climate change.

Guided by our commitment to “Quality Life for All,” NCPD continues to champion practical, people-centered solutions that uplift communities and safeguard the environment.

Through efforts like this, and in line with the ICPD25 Kenya Country Commitments and global development agenda, we reaffirm our promise to ensure that no one is left behind.

Together, we grow not just trees, but stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.
Economic Planning Department KE
The National Treasury and Economic Planning

Eid Mubarak 2026! 🌙✨
From Ramadan nights to Eid delights.
May this day bring peace, love, light, and barakah to all.

17/03/2026.
Strengthening Partnerships for Kenya’s Population and Development Agenda

The National Council for Population and Development convened a National Stakeholders’ Coordination Meeting at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, bringing together government agencies, development partners, and key stakeholders to advance the implementation of the Kenya National Population Policy.
In remarks delivered by Acting Director General Lucy Kimondo, the Council emphasized the critical role of population dynamics in shaping Kenya’s socio-economic transformation. With emerging trends such as rapid urbanization, shifting demographics, and climate-related challenges, the need for coordinated, data-driven, and sustainable approaches has never been more urgent.
The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthened partnerships, innovative financing, and effective coordination mechanisms to ensure successful implementation of population programmes. Stakeholders also engaged in discussions on the revised Population Programme Coordination Framework, aimed at enhancing collaboration at both national and county levels.
In addition, participants were taken through a series of presentations on key policy briefs derived from the recently launched Population Situation Analysis (PSA) Report. These briefs addressed critical thematic areas including youth not in education, employment or training (NEET), skills development and TVET, maternal and child health, health financing, urbanization, family dynamics, and the intersection of population, health, and environmental sustainability. The discussions provided evidence-based insights to inform policy direction, strengthen programming, and guide targeted interventions across sectors.
As Kenya continues to align its population priorities with Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, collective action remains key to improving the quality of life for all.
Together, we move forward,coordinated, committed, and focused on sustainable development.

📢 Upcoming Webinar Alert!
Join us for an engaging and impactful conversation on strengthening accountability in maternal and newborn health ahead of the International Maternal and Newborn Health Conference 2026.
🗓 Date: March 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (EAT)

Theme: Catalyzing CSO-Government Partnerships for Enhanced Accountability in Maternal and Newborn Health.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, commitments to maternal and newborn health continue to grow—but are they backed by real investment?

This webinar brings together voices from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire to explore how civil society organizations are:
✔️ Driving accountability in health financing
✔️ Influencing policy and budget allocations
✔️ Amplifying community voices
✔️ Advancing sustainable domestic investment in MNH
We are proud to have our very own Beatrice Okundi among the distinguished panelists.
Register and be part of shaping a citizen-led agenda that ensures maternal health rights are prioritized and protected.
If accountability is the lever, domestic investment is the outcome.
The time to act is now.

The Acting Director General of NCPD, Ms. Lucy Kimondo, led a delegation comprising Ms. Eduarda Gray, Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission Nairobi, and Ms. Josephine Mbiyu, Country Lead of the WISH Project at Palladium International Kenya, in paying a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary, State Department for Economic Planning, Dr. Bonface Makokha.
The delegation briefed the Principal Secretary on the upcoming High-Level Engagement on Demographic Transformation and Kenya’s Future, scheduled for next week.
The engagement will provide a timely platform to align policy, partnerships, and investments toward harnessing Kenya’s demographic dividend.

Also accompanying the Acting Director General was Dr. Wambui Kungu, Director in charge of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Council for Population and Development
During the meeting, the Acting Director General presented copies of the recently launched Population Situation Analysis Report to the Principal Secretary.