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By Wambaz OleMan
Ngaremara, Isiolo County—For generations, life in the semi-arid expanses of Isiolo County has been dictated by the rhythms of pastoralism and the harshness of the climate. For couples like Aisha and Mohamed (not their real names), the dream of starting a family has always been intertwined with a deep-seated worry: Can the land sustain our dreams?
But a quiet revolution is taking root. By embracing modern family planning, a growing number of couples are transforming that age-old question from a source of anxiety into a blueprint for stability.
A Shared Plan, A Shared Future
When Aisha and Mohamed married, they brought individual hopes to their union. She aimed to complete her secondary education and pursue business training. He dreamed of steadily growing his herd. Both knew that unplanned pregnancies could sweep those dreams away.
A turning point came at a community health outreach session, part of the broader DESIP Programme targeting marginalized counties. There, they learned how spacing children could secure the future they wanted.
“We realised we didn’t have to rush,” Aisha shared. “We chose a method together. Now we know that when we have children, we can care for them properly.”
For Mohamed, the decision was economic empowerment. “This plan gives us time,” he explained. “Time to build our herd, save for a better house, and be ready for school fees. We are building, not just surviving.”
The data reflects their story. According to a late-2025 report from the Ministry of Health, about 6.6 million Kenyan women now use modern contraceptives, with a national average use rate of 63%—a figure Kenya aims to increase to 64% by 2030.
Breaking Barriers, Building Hope
In pastoralist communities, acceptance has been a significant hurdle, with myths about infertility and cultural resistance slowing progress. Change in Isiolo is being driven by community-led efforts: trained local health volunteers, engaged religious leaders, and women serving as community-based distributors who share personal testimonies.
This shift is profound. It moves families from a reactive state of survival to proactive planning. In a region where drought can wipe out livelihoods overnight, the ability to plan a family becomes a cornerstone of resilience.
The Ripple Effect
The impact extends beyond the individual household.
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For Women & Health: Spaced pregnancies lower maternal health risks and allow mothers time to recover and nurture.
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For Children: It translates into better nutrition, care, and a stronger chance at education.
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For the Community: It fosters long-term thinking, enabling families to invest in sustainable livelihoods.
For Aisha and Mohamed, family planning is the foundation upon which they are constructing a life. “Now we can dream,” Mohamed said, a note of quiet confidence in his voice. “We have a chance to build a future.”
Their story is a powerful testament to a new reality in Ngaremara: where control over one’s destiny is the first, and most hopeful, step from surviving to truly thriving.
