This is a cross-sectional descriptive study on barriers to male involvement in family planning in
Kiambu County, Central Kenya. The specific objectives of the study include; describing cultural
and economic factors that impedes male involvement in family planning, and establishing the
extent to which cultural and economic factors impede male involvement in family planning
initiatives in Kiambu County. The study is premised on the social exchange theory and social
cognitive theory. The study was conducted with 60 married men aged between 18 and 55 years
who were purposively sampled. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and key
informant interviews and analyzed through grounded approach in line with specific objectives.
The findings indicate that social factors such as religion, knowledge on FP, gender roles and
spousal communication influence male involvement in family planning. Further, majority of
married men in Kiambu County have never been involved in any FP project design activities,
thus are locked out from involvement. In addition, married men in Kiambu County do not
consent to the use of modern FP methods and they are only limited to the use of male condom
which is widely known and accepted by many. From the study, Economic factors such as income
and unmet need for FP also influence male involvement in FP in that, married men who earn less
than KES 10,000 per month in Kiambu County find it too expensive to procure modern FP
methods thus prioritizing their income to other necessities.
The study recommends that since men shows a positive attitude towards FP, the government and
other stakeholders should increase FP service accessibility and availability. FP service providers
have to be well trained so as to increase and update married men with the knowledge of the
modern FP methods. Community health workers should encourage creation of advocacy groups
at community level aimed at leading households to cultural change towards FP services and
encourage the uptake of FP services. In addition, the County Government should find a way of
training people on debunking the myths especially male members of the household. Finally, the
study suggests that a similar study be conducted in other parts of the country to enable a
formulation of male involvement in FP policy and program in the whole county