By Nelson Musungu, Bungoma
In the dusty village of Sango in Tongaren constituency, Bungoma County, Adelight Khayanje’s story is a reminder that even modern family planning methods are not foolproof.
A mother of six, Khayanje spent 12 years relying on an intrauterine device (IUD), commonly known as the coil, believing it gave her full control over her reproductive health. The method worked as planned, allowing her to raise her children without the anxiety of unplanned pregnancies.
“I opted for the 12-year method because I wanted to raise the children I already had and only plan for another child when I was ready,” she told County Splash.
When the 12 years were over, she had the coil removed, conceived, and gave birth to her planned lastborn child. Soon afterwards, she returned to the clinic to have another coil inserted—convinced that her childbearing days were behind her.
But just three months later, she was shocked to discover she was pregnant again. “I was disappointed because it was not in my plan. I had trusted the method,” she said, suspecting the coil might have been improperly inserted.
Despite the setback, Khayanje who also serves as a Community Health Promoter remains a strong advocate for family planning, urging women to use contraception while recognising its limitations. She also commends organisations such as Marie Stopes for making reproductive health services more accessible in rural areas.
Health experts agree that no modern contraceptive method is 100% effective. Diviniza Ochwila, a senior nursing officer at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, says they regularly receive complaints from women who conceive while on family planning.
“If a woman is already ovulating when she gets a delayed injection and has unprotected sex, the risk of pregnancy is very high~ Divinizah ochwila
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, 70% of sexually active unmarried women use some form of family planning, with 59% opting for modern methods. Among married women aged 15–49, 63% use contraception—most commonly injectables (20%), implants (19%) and pills (8%).
Ochwila says pregnancies can occur for several reasons. Incorrect or inconsistent use of short-term methods, such as forgetting to take daily pills or delaying injectable doses, is a common cause. “If a woman is already ovulating when she gets a delayed injection and has unprotected sex, the risk of pregnancy is very high,” she explained.
Medication interactions can also reduce effectiveness. Clients taking certain drugs, such as anticoagulants for pulmonary hypertension or antiretroviral therapy for HIV, may need to use backup methods like condoms.
Even long-term methods like the coil can fail. In some cases, the device is expelled during menstruation without the user realising, or it is inserted incorrectly. Ochwila advises clients to have follow-up checks at one, three, and six months after insertion.
Condoms, too, are vulnerable to user error. Incorrect use, bursting, or slippage can all result in unintended pregnancies if emergency contraception is not taken quickly.
Another problem is that some women choose contraceptive methods without medical consultation, leading to mismatches between their health needs and the chosen method. “People are more into business nowadays and will give you what you ask for, not what is best for you,” Ochwila said.
When unplanned pregnancies occur despite contraceptive use, Ochwila says clients are counselled on their options—continuing the pregnancy with antenatal care, or considering medical or surgical abortion where permitted by law.
“Family planning is effective, but not foolproof,” she said. “Incorrect use, missed doses, improper procedures, and health conditions can all play a role. The key is consistent follow-up and informed choice.”
While modern contraceptives have dramatically reduced unplanned pregnancies in Kenya, experts warn that the lingering myth of 100% protection can lead to disappointment and mistrust.
They urge clients to pair correct use with regular medical review to maintain effectiveness.
