Narok County Embraces Change in Male Engagement for Family Planning
In the heart of Narok County, where lush greenery and serene landscapes set the stage, Joseph Sirikwa stands out as a beacon of change. A devoted father of four, Joseph has taken it upon himself to educate his community on the benefits of family planning—a subject that remains a sensitive topic within the traditional Maasai culture, where having many children is often seen as a symbol of wealth.
Joseph and his wife made a conscious decision to limit their family to four children after learning about the advantages of spacing births. “My wife and I have aimed to set a good example in our community by practicing family planning. We spaced each of our children by two years after learning about the benefits and doing away with all the myths and misconceptions that surround the topic,” he shares, his voice warm with conviction.
Today, Joseph serves as a Family Planning Male Champion. His typical day begins with tending to his cattle—a task that naturally leads him to interact with other men. During these moments in the fields, he seizes the opportunity to remind his peers about upcoming family planning dialogue sessions. Later, with the blessing and support of his wife, he gathers his information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and sets out to share his knowledge with a diverse group of men from his community.
At a recent male dialogue session near his homestead, Joseph greeted an attentive crowd of men of all ages. He explained that family planning isn’t just for women—it’s a responsibility for everyone, even the elders who continue to marry younger women. “Those who have no knowledge about family planning think it is harmful; however, I am here to tell you that it is very important. It not only helps you to space out your children but also enables you to provide enough resources to cater to each of their needs,” he explained passionately.
Armed with the DESIP program family planning training kit, Joseph demonstrated a range of contraceptive methods—from female and male condoms to the coil, oral contraceptives, and the DEPO injection. He walked the group through the details of each method, reflecting the empowerment he gained from the one-and-a-half-month training he underwent through DESIP. “This training from the DESIP program has empowered us to go into the villages and teach the youth, middle-aged men, and elderly men about family planning,” he adds.
Beyond technical knowledge, Joseph stresses that family planning should be a shared responsibility between husbands and wives. His heartfelt advice encourages men to support their partners, fostering healthier relationships and better-informed decisions. Despite facing criticism and even accusations that his work might encourage infidelity, Joseph remains undeterred. With the support of PS Kenya’s DESIP program, he is committed to making family planning more inclusive and acceptable in Narok County.
