The implementation of the Kenya Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH-N) Investment Framework (IF) 2016-2020 yielded positive health outcomes. However, expanding the coverage of RMNCAH-N services still remains a challenge. For instance, the maternal mortality ratio, an important indicator of maternal health status, remains high in Kenya despite slight improvements over recent years, from 362 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2014 to 355 in 2019. Additionally, stillbirth rates have fallen substantially from 23 to 15 deaths per 1,000 total births from 2014 to 2022/23. Neonatal mortality rates have also declined, but marginally, over the last decade, with the neonatal mortality rate decreasing from 22 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 21 deaths in 2022, while stillbirths decreased (KDHS, 2022). In summary, Kenya has made significant progress in maternal and child health status, with substantial declines in mortality rates over the last twenty years.

Kenya has also made notable progress in improving family planning services, achieving a modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) of 57% among married women as of 2022. However, the unmet need for family planning remains high due to social, cultural, and religious barriers. Disparities exist in family planning accessibility across different user groups and counties. Furthermore, despite the country's emphasis on adolescent health, challenges persist, including high teenage pregnancy rates, mental health issues, substance abuse, and overall adolescent health concerns.

In the realm of child nutrition, Kenya has significantly reduced malnutrition among children under five years. The prevalence of stunting decreased from 36% in 2003 to 17.6% in 2022, and the rate of underweight children dropped from 19% in 1993 to 10% in 2022. Additionally, the rate of wasting declined from 7% to 5% during the same period. Nevertheless, micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect all segments of the population, thus increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality and negatively impacting child development, education, and productivity. Gender-based violence is also a concern, with 16% of females and 10% of males reporting having experienced physical violence (KDHS, 2022).

While Kenya has made strides in maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition, there still remains much work to be done to reach nationally agreed goals and improve the overall health outcomes. This situation underlines the necessity for a fresh RMNCAH-N investment case to steer National and County Governments, Development Partners, and other stakeholders in directing resources to bolster health services and outcomes for mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents. Consequently, the Ministry of Health, together with the RMNCAH-N Multi-stakeholder Country Platform, undertook the development of this RMNCAH-N Investment Case 2025/26-2029/30.

This RMNCAH-N Investment Case 2025/26-2029/30 is aligned with the Kenya Health Sector Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which aims to enhance access to and improve the quality of health services at all levels. Among its key priorities is ensuring quality RMNCAH-N health services.

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