Saving Kenya's Environment Through Family Planning

Kibet* came in with a minor respiratory infection.  As he waited for treatment, he began speaking to CHAT’s FPCORP, Laktano.

“I am 39 yrs.and a polygamous father of 15 children with each having seven, five and 3 children respectively,” Kibet said. “Although I don’t need any more children, my second wife is expecting her sixth born,” Kibet said as he laughs.

The FPCORP advised Kibet about planning the family as he elaborated on the different family planning contraception methods for both men and women. “This is my first time to hear about family planning. Life is too expensive, especially that I only have five goats which provides about 3 liters of milk, which is not enough for my big family. Am a Catholic and as I was growing up, I can remember being taught on counting of days as a way of controlling birth. It’s been impossible for me as my wives are unable to follow this method as, after a while, it’s either the first, second or third confirming that she is expectant! To me you are God sent.” Kibet lamented as he moved towards the tent where the nurse was offering the services.

CHAT nurse welcomed Kibet and provided further counselling on the various methods of contraception protection methods and those that were available at the particular time. Kibet listened and asked several questions with the nurse providing answers.

“Let me first go bring my wives to receive this important information after which you will treat me” Kibet said-after a long conversation with the nurse, as he walked faster towards his Manyatta (which is 20 kms away!!).

Kibet came back accompanied by his three wives late in the afternoon. At first, the wives were angry about the new idea that would stop them from getting pregnant as they thought it must be something very bad for their health. The nurse began to explain the myths, the importance and the choices of family planning and, after proper counseling, they all chose the 3 year contraception protection method – an implant.

The nurse counseled them further and told the second wife that she can’t be provided with any family planning contraception method at the moment until after birth.

“I am tired of giving birth like a rat, I wish I had this information before I conceived, it’s late but I have not lost hope -  and once I give birth will contact Laktano (FPCORPs) to bring me to a nurse to receive this services,” the second wife said with tears falling down her face.  Ann referred her to the facility for ANC and requested the FPCORP to follow-up and ensure that she visited the nearest health clinic to receive all the care in preparation for the arrival of the expected child.

The CHAT nurse also ran several tests on the other two wives (first & second wife) who chose the three years contraception method as their FP choice.

Kibet was later treated and CHAT nurse thanked him for allowing his wives access FP services. She further asked him to continue “preaching the good word about FP “to other men in his community, as this was the only way of ensuring a healthy family and environment as well.

They were very grateful to CHAT nurse and especially CHAT & the donors who supported the program.

Between Mar-May 2016, thanks to your donations- which contributed to helping CHAT reach 16,207 individuals with family planning/ ecological awareness information and a total of 8,328 women with different FP contraception methods of their choice.