Factors influencing fertility preferences of currently married men in Keny
Reproductive Health
30
Issue: 2
(11 - 2016)
Fertility preferences are central in determining the future fertility of the society particularly
where and when those desires are implemented. The socio-cultural structures in most African
communities have given men the mandate to decide in all aspects of life including family sizes
and fertility behaviors. Information on fertility preference in Kenya especially regarding men is
very scanty. This study therefore specifically sought to establish the effects of socio-
demographic; socio-economic; and socio-cultural factors on fertility preference of currently
married men in Kenya. Data was drawn from sample size of 1,757 married men aged 15-54
years who were asked questions on various topics including fertility preference during the
2008/9 KDHS. The study findings revealed that age, number of living children, education,
region, occupation, type of marriage and number of living sons were significant factors
associated with the desire for additional children at 0.001, 0.01 and 0.05 significance level. In
conclusion, fertility preference of currently married men in Kenya is influenced mainly by
demographic (age & Number of living children); socio-economic (education & region) and
socio-cultural factors (type of marriage & Number of living sons). Recommendations: i)
Education for men should be emphasized because education was discovered to have a
significant negative effect on the fertility preference; ii) Policies that aim at integrating
population into development should be encouraged so as to foster socio-economic
development in all the regions and hence minimize the regional disparities as it relates to
fertility preferences; iii) Further studies, both qualitative and quantitative, to be carried out in
order to explore the socio-cultural religious beliefs, norms and attitudes of men in regards to
the value of children; v) Qualitative studies needs to be conducted in the North Eastern region
to find out the driving forces for glaringly high fertility preference other than low literacy level.
Key Words: Fertility preference, Desire for Additional Children, Sex preference, Education,
age.
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