MPs split on bid to control high birth rate

MPs converged in Mombasa on Wednesday to discuss a new policy on the country’s population growth.

The new policy aims at ensuring that population growth does not impede economic, social and political growth.

But the MPs were sharply divided when it came to the touchy issue of population control.

Professionals had advocated smaller families to ensure quality life. The MPs were split on whether size of family impacted on development.

Assistant minister Adan Sugow, a polygamist, opposed population control arguing that education, especially in arid areas should be given priority.

He argued that mortality rate among women was higher than in other parts of the country because of illiteracy.

Need to plan

“Education and equity in marginalised areas is what is needed in such areas to plan families not to control,” he noted.

He also urged for more resource allocation to arid areas.

Sirisia MP Moses Wetang’ula found nothing wrong with big families arguing the problem emanated from misplaced priorities and lack of work ethics.

“We spend too much time and energy swallowing pills concocted elsewhere.

“What we need to do is to focus on what to do with the huge population not to frighten people with family growth,” Mr Wetang’ula said.

Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito described the issue of numbers as political and sensitive.

“The first questions people ask when a person declares interest in the presidency, is the size of his community.”

But Higher Education assistant minister Kilemi Mwiria supported the need for smaller families.

Dr Mwiria challenged politicians to have the courage to tackle cultures that “take us backwards”.

“You can have as many children as you want but not at the expense of those who have decided to have less children,” he added.

But Lands assistant minister Bifwoli Wakoli argued that controlling population growth was misplaced.