The Maasai community has been challenged to embrace modern contraceptives as a means of effectively managing the number of children a family intends to have.
Dr. Edward Sarem, Head of Division for Reproductive and Maternal Health in the Ministry of Health, emphasised that contraception is a choice for individuals and families in need.
He encouraged families to adopt contraception, noting that new innovations have significantly increased the range of contraceptive options available, including self-administered products.
“The Ministry has availed a significant range of contraception method choices at health facilities and at the community level, where everyone is free to visit and get their favourable contraceptive,” he stated.
Dr. Sarem spoke at Ole Ntimama Stadium during the celebrations for World Contraception Day 2024, highlighting that the day aims to enhance awareness of contraceptives, as well as their availability, accessibility, and utilisation across the country.
He noted that the demand for family planning in Kenya has risen from 68 per cent in 1993 to 76 per cent in 2022.
He underscored the necessity of contraceptives, explaining that early and unplanned pregnancies contribute to high levels of fertility. He cautioned that rapid population growth could exacerbate the challenge of ensuring that future development is sustainable and inclusive.
“Achieving the sustainable development goals, particularly those related to health, education and gender equality, can contribute to sustainable population growth and increasing economic productivity and growth,” reiterated Dr. Serem.
He stated that the government prioritises primary health care, which includes the recruitment of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who visit families to educate communities on health matters.
“At least ten CHPs should be linked to every health facility. They should give the communities the right health messages so that the community can be informed,” he said, adding that each CHP should visit at least 100 families.
He dispelled the myth that family planning causes infertility, asserting that all methods have been scientifically tested and proven to be very safe for human use.
Ms. Lucy Kashu, Narok Chief Officer in charge of Preventive and Promotive Services, challenged the CHPs to promote primary health by consistently providing the community with accurate information and linking them to the nearest health facilities for necessary services.
She observed that family planning uptake has increased from 14 per cent to 38 per cent in the county.
Narok County has 1,638 CHPs distributed across the eight sub-counties.
