Title: Formulation, implementation and impact of population policy in Kenya.

POPLINE Document Number: 061585

Author(s):

Oucho JO

Source citation:

In: Developments in Family Planning Policies and Programmes in Africa. Legon, Ghana, University of Ghana, Regional Institute for Population Studies [RIPS], 1989. :548-98.

Abstract:

Kenya's population policy, which dates back to 1966, has been characterized by an overreliance on the advocacy of family planning as a means of reducing high rates of population growth. In the 1980s, however, this policy was reoriented toward creation of an environment conducive toward smaller family size and the integration of family planning and maternal-child health services. Still, policies pertaining to migration, human settlements, the spatial distribution of the population, urbanization, and the status of women remain inadequately defined or implemented. Also lacking has been solid government support for population programs. The government has relied on foreign institutions rather than local ones for direction, and these experts have made recommendations based on Western paradigms that are inappropriate to Kenya. The recent shift from child spacing to birth limitation took place without any analysis of the value and cost of children; moreover, it threatens to violate fundamental human rights. Bureaucratic inefficiencies resulting from having country project officials assigned by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities are commonplace and could be reduced by formation of a strong interministerial monitoring and evaluation committee. Again, the failure of the Government of Kenya to address the proximate determinants of fertility, mortality, and urbanization limits the effectiveness of population programs. Urgently needed is a thorough review of the quality and type of personnel employed by Kenya's family planning organizations, target clientele, program activities, institutional structures, and funding. In short, Kenya's population policy must become more comprehensive, more responsive to societal changes, and receive more attention from the government than mere policy pronouncements.

Keywords:

Kenya
Population Policy
Evaluation
Demographic Impact
Family Planning
Fertility Determinants
Maternal Health
Child Health
Social Welfare
Social Planning
Development Planning
Family Planning Programs
Maternal-Child Health Services
Political Factors
Family Planning Program Administration
Obstacles
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Social Policy
Policy
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Fertility
Health
Economic Factors
Programs
Organization and Administration
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care