Kilifi's fertility rate is higher than national average, official

The Kilifi County government has set aside Sh5 million for family planning programme. 

County reproductive health co-ordinator Esther Muema said the money would be used to sensitise locals on the need to use contraceptives and other birth control methods.

 Experts have reported that the fertility rate in the county is above the national average. As a result, the population is going up, especially because of the low uptake of contraceptives.

"At the moment, the fertility rate in Kilifi is 5.1 children while in Mombasa it is 4.3. The national grid stands at 3.1," Ms Muema said.

Contraceptive use in the county stands at 32.8 per cent, she said. Acting Director of Health Services Vincent Iduri said fewer people in rural areas than urban centres use contraceptives.