Sessional Paper No. 05 of 1999 on National Population Policy for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This National Population Policy for Sustainable Development succeeds the Sessional Paper No. 4 of 1984 on Population Policy Guidelines. It builds on the strength of the guidelines and widens the scope of the population policy by integrating the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, 1994. The Policy respects fundamental human rights and freedoms relating to social, cultural and rellgious beliefs and practices. Although broad based, the policy is Kenya specific and incorporates only those aspects of the Cairo Plan of Action that are relevant to the country. Addressed in this document are issues on environment, gender, poverty and problems facing segments of the population including the youth, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The problem of HIV/AIDS is also addressed. The policy recognises that the population question is a matter of State security and should be handled with care and vision. This policy outlines the population and development goals, objectives and targets to guide its implementation up to the year 2010. The goals and objectives include: improvement of the standards of living and quallty of llfe of the people; full integration of population concerns into the development process; motivating and encouraging Kenyans to adhere to responsible parenthood; promotion of the stability of the family; empowerment of women, elimination of retrogressive socio-cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, and integration of the youth, the elderly and persons with disabilities into the mainstream of national development. To guide implementation of this policy, some specific targets have been set. The targets have been categorized into three broad areas namely: demographic, health and social services.