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Factors that affect family sizes in kenya

Factors that affect family sizes in kenya

August 18, 2022 5:35 pm

James Ndetto

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Soacial economic factors in Kenya greatly contribute to the desired choice of the number of children that a typical Kenyan couple can have. Most parents would prefer to have a family which is easy to provide for their needs without staining them because of the increased cost of living among Kenyans which has led to increase in prizes of basic family requirements. These factors include;

The peoples culture

Culture is a way of life of a people and it influences the practices carried out among the members of the society. Some Kenyan cultures promote the idea of couples having a very big family which is also a sign of a person’s wealth. Example is the luhya culture which had men believe that having many children is a show of might and leadership ability.

Religion

Religion also greatly affects the choice of a family size. For instance, some religions support the teachings in genesis where people were told to multiply and fill the earth. The followers thereby try to achieve the teaching literally. Some denominations and religions do not also advocate for the use of modern methods of contraception such as the Catholic Church which does not advocate for use of condoms.

Marriage age

The age at which Kenyan women get married also contributes to the number of children that they can bear before they reach menopause. Due to women empowerment and education, most women get married late and this only allows them to have a few children before they stop bearing anymore. Areas in the country where teenage pregnancies are high have a high number of children in a family.

Health policy and facilities

The Kenyan government has of late been providing free maternal health care, however the facilities to facilitate this program are limited and hence the services are not convenient. Infant mortality has decreased meaning that the number of children a woman can bear is guaranteed unlike previously where infant deaths were high. With proper health care, Kenyans can now choose the size of the family which they need to have.

It is therefore evident that the said socio economic factors play an important role in determining the size of families in Kenyan households.

About the Author

James Ndetto

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Emerging from the scenic landscapes of Kericho, with its verdant tea fields, James Ndetto's roots may seem a world apart from the bustling urban centers where communication theories are fervently discussed. Yet, it was here, amidst community gatherings and local stories, that James first understood the power of effective communication.

His curiosity took him to one of Kenya's premier universities, where he pursued a degree in Communication Studies. James' academic journey was marked by a desire to merge traditional African communication methods with modern theories and technologies, aiming to bridge the past with the present.

Post-graduation, James channeled his passion and expertise into writing. He began penning articles that provided deep insights into the evolving world of communication, especially as it pertained to the Kenyan context. His work touched upon diverse themes, from interpersonal communication in Kenyan communities to the transformative power of digital platforms in Africa.

James Ndetto's writings quickly resonated with readers across the continent. His unique perspective, which balanced academic rigor with relatable anecdotes, made him a favored voice in the realm of communication studies.

Beyond his written endeavors, James has taken on roles in academia, teaching courses on communication at notable Kenyan institutions. He has also been an active participant in international conferences, representing Kenya and contributing to global dialogues on the future of communication.