Kenya: Family planning will make economic sense

This year’s United Nations State of the World Population report released last week demonstrates quite dramatically the economic benefits of family planning.

It argues, quite rightly, that investing in family planning makes economic sense both at individual and national levels. With a well-planned family, there will be less competition for resources and hence more to share among fewer people.

While it may be too simplistic to argue that such a family will be happier, healthier, better educated and hence well equipped for survival than those from crowded backgrounds, at least there will be less pressure on resources.

Based on this argument the UN concludes that individuals and nations have a lot to gain from investing in family planning education and products and making sure they are accessible to all.

This document comes soon after the country released an ambitious statement of intent which targets at lowering the fertility rate and maintaining it at about two and a half children per woman.

Not everybody is convinced that the country is experiencing a population crisis, some arguing that we are suffering more from underdevelopment than high fertility.

This group avers that a big population is, indeed, a tool for economic development.

Both these arguments are not without merit, but a combination – lifting the country out of underdevelopment and planned families will see Kenya on a better trajectory.

However, achieving any or both of the targets will require a lot of commitment and resources and less dependence on donor funding.

It is to be remembered that Kenya had one of the best family planning programmes in Africa in the 1980s, but it was scuttled when donors withheld funds.

Daily Nation

2 Comments on "Kenya: Family planning will make economic sense"

BillT on Mon, 19th Nov 2012 5:54 am 



Family planing only costs what it costs to keep the reproducing parts covered and unused. Zero.

Kenz300 on Mon, 19th Nov 2012 3:10 pm 



Quote — ” investing in family planning makes economic sense both at individual and national levels. With a well-planned family, there will be less competition for resources and hence more to share among fewer people.”

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Access to family planning services needs to be available to all that want it.

If you can not provide for yourself you can not provide for a child.