The Ministry of Health has expressed growing concern over a significant drop in breastfeeding rates as more young mothers choose to bottle-feed their infants during the first 24 months.
Recent data from the Ministry shows a notable increase in bottle-feeding, rising by over 10 percent. Currently, three out of ten infants are bottle-fed, while breastfeeding rates have remained relatively stable.
In a statement for World Breastfeeding Week, the Ministry noted that Kenya’s breastfeeding rates have not seen substantial improvements. Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding rates have slightly declined, dropping from 62 percent to 60 percent and from 61 percent to 60 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, bottle-feeding rates have increased from 22 percent to 34 percent.
The Ministry identified poor enforcement of laws regulating breast milk substitutes as a major issue. Aggressive marketing of these substitutes has worsened the problem, especially in light of rapid urbanization and westernization in Kenya.
“Aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes undermines breastfeeding efforts,” the Ministry’s statement read. “The 2023 Lancet Series estimates that Commercial Milk Formula (CMF) generates up to $55.6 billion annually, with inadequate maternity protection fueling the growth of these industries.”
Like many middle-income countries, Kenya faces multiple challenges to breastfeeding. These issues range from individual struggles to broader structural barriers, as outlined in the social ecological model of health.
“One in three children in low- and middle-income countries receives prelacteal feeds, including breast milk substitutes, within the first three days of life. This deprives them of critical breastfeeding benefits, such as protection against malnutrition,” the Ministry explained.
Other factors hindering effective breastfeeding include insufficient workplace support for breastfeeding mothers, aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes, and limited awareness about breastfeeding benefits.
The Ministry also highlighted the lack of adequate health, family, and community support systems as obstacles to promoting breastfeeding. Special attention is needed for specific groups such as teenage mothers, mothers in prisons or institutions, those affected by emergencies, and mothers with disabilities.
“These groups face unique challenges. For instance, teenage mothers may have restricted access to healthcare and support networks, while those in prisons may encounter logistical issues. Mothers affected by emergencies might struggle with disruptions due to displacement or resource shortages, and those with disabilities may face both physical and social barriers,” the Ministry noted.
Statistics reveal that 15 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 have been pregnant at least once. The highest teenage pregnancy rates are reported in Samburu (50 percent), West Pokot (36 percent), Marsabit (29 percent), and Narok (28 percent). Other areas with notable rates include Meru (24 percent), Homa Bay and Migori (23 percent each), Kajiado (22 percent), Siaya (21 percent), and Baringo (20 percent). Nyeri and Nyandarua have the lowest rates, at 5 percent each.
“To better support breastfeeding among vulnerable groups, targeted interventions and policies are essential,” the Ministry emphasized. “This includes creating breastfeeding-friendly environments in communities, workplaces, and institutions, improving healthcare access for teenage mothers, and developing strategies to support breastfeeding during emergencies. Removing physical and social barriers for mothers with disabilities is also crucial.”
Global health guidelines recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and continuing exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. It is advised to maintain breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, as breast milk provides all necessary nutrients for an infant’s first six months of life.
