File photo of an expectant woman. [Photo/ standardmedi.co.ke]
The Government has allocated Sh10.2 million to curb the high fertility rate in West Pokot County.
Population and Development Regional Coordinator Moses Ouma said the funds which will be set aside in the next county budget will go towards family planning programmes.
West Pokot is said to have the second highest fertility rate in the country at 7.2 births per woman.
Ouma said they reached the decision after the 2014 Kenya Health Demographic Survey revealed that only one out of 10 women in the county uses contraceptives.
The fertility rates in the county are said to be high due to lack of education and the cultural practices.
The family planning programmes which will be initiated in the county are aimed at reducing the high teenage pregnancy rates as well as encourage women to embrace child spacing.
The funds will be allocated to delivery services, advocacy, community mobilization and other family planning programmes.