Saving Kenya's Environment Through Family Planning

*Not their real names

Jennifer, a devoted CORP, set out on her routine door-to-door sensitisation in the remote communities around Kalepo, Samburu East. That morning, Jennifer arrived at a manyatta in Loltang’at and met *Laima. The family relied solely on a small number of livestock for survival. Jennifer found Laima milking cows and greeted her warmly, offering to help with the task. Surprised but appreciative, Laima accepted the assistance.

As they worked together, Jennifer introduced the topic of family planning, explaining how it could help space children and improve the family’s livelihood. She also shared how a large family size puts pressure on grazing lands and water sources, leading to environmental degradation. "With fewer children to care for at once, families can better manage resources, and the land has time to regenerate," she explained.

Laima listened attentively but remained unsure. Her husband, initially sceptical, joined the conversation. "I thought family planning meant stopping childbirth altogether," he confessed. Jennifer patiently clarified the misconceptions, helping him understand its purpose: ensuring a better future for their children andprotecting the environment they depend on for survival. Convinced, he encouraged his wife, saying, "Let’s visit the health facility this afternoon."

With Jennifer's referral, Laima and her husband visited Kibartare dispensary later that day, opting for a five-year family planning contraceptive implant. Although they already had nine children, they embraced this change as a step toward building a brighter future for their family and the land they call home.

Moments like these affirm Jennifer’s dedication. "It’s exhausting at times," she admits, "but empowering women and protecting the environment makes every effort worthwhile."

"The environment is not a luxury, but a necessity. Family planning is one way to help ensure that future generations have access to the resources they need to thrive."Sierra Club

Through the generous support of GG, CHAT successfully disseminated behaviour change information (BCC) to 6,291 individuals over the last three months. Additionally, 1,193 family planning clients were provided with various contraception methods tailored to their preferences, with 903 opting for long-term pregnancy protection methods lasting either 3 or 5 years, effectively reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies.