Sessional Paper No. 4 of 1984 on Population Policy Guidelines

Abstract

Kenya's 4th Development Plan (1979-1983) states under the Population Policy (p. 61 para 2. 156) that: "In Kenya decisions on family size rest with parents. These decisions taken together determine the rate of population growth in the nation. While the Government is concerned about the rapid rate of population growth in Kenya, it is also convinced that as these concerns come to be understood in terms of effects on family welfare and quality of life, parents will adjust their decisions in favour of smaller families". The current Development Plan 1984- 1988 states further: Since the rate of population growth· is mainly determined by decisions taken by parents on family size, during this Plan period the Government, in co-operation with Non-Government Organizations, will intensify its pro­gramme of informing and educating actual and potential parents regarding the benefits of smaller family sizes particularly since the fertility of less educated women is found to be higher. Family planning services will be made available mainly in the rural areas, by increasing the number of health facilities offering family planning services and also the number of trained personnel to provide these services.