Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Uptake of Family Planning Practices in Kakamega County, Kenya

Dr. Mildred Lumayo Fedha
Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies
Kisii University, Kenya
Email: lumayomildred@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke /lumayomildred@gmail.com

Abstract: Family planning is very vital especially in the contemporary world which is faced by quite a number of challenges. Over decades, the government of Kenya has put in place numerous plans and guidelines to facilitate the utilisation of family planning services as a step towards reduction of reproduction rates, meeting the unmet family planning needs and impacting on wider societal development priorities. Despite this, little has been achieved in reducing population growth and causing social change. The most affected region is western Kenya that has for a long time reported higher fertility rates than the region’s economic growth. This is pegged on the socio- demographic factors that impede inhabitants’ participation in the implementation of family planning programmes. This paper investigated the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on uptake of family planning practises in Kakamega County, Kenya. The research targeted three sub-counties; Malava, Lugari and Likuyani with a household population of 17,469 units. The researcher narrowed down to two wards based on population density; one with the highest density and one with the lowest density. Further, 93 public health officers were targeted. A sample of 376 inhabitants and 12 public Health officials were issued questionnaires and interviewed respectively. The results showed that there were more females, married within the age bracket of 26-35 years and with secondary school level of education who used family planning practices. Further majority (61.2%) of the catholic faith respondents had not ustilised any family planning strategy as opposed to Protestants and Muslims.