Is Kenya ready to reap from the demographic dividends? A review of the population policy issues and implementation status

I examine Kenya’s efforts in repositioning family planning and bring out the micro and macro benefits of family planning in the wake of the imminent demographic dividends. I contextualize my case by reviewing Kenya’s new population policy, the MDG targets and Kenya’s Vision 2030 which aims at transforming Kenya’s economy to an industrial economy by 2030. I first trace the policy environment behind family planning in Kenya and discuss how policies have impacted on population growth trajectories. I then discuss the country’s renewed efforts in family planning and assess the extent to which these efforts may assist the country reap from demographic dividends in the near future. Using available data, I highlight strategies needed by the Kenya government to accelerate family planning and reap demographic dividends. I argue that a substantial increase in family planning is critical in addressing the current high levels of unmet need for family planning (currently at 26 percent) and can assist families, communities and the nation to reap from demographic dividends.