Abstract:
Family planning has attracted attentions all over the world due to its relevance in decision making, population growth
and development. Despite this, family planning programmes by the government and other non-state actors have
traditionally focused on women as the primary beneficiaries of family planning and also due to their feminist nature, it
makes them subservient hence high compliers of health issues family planning being among them yet men have been
considered as the silent partners of family planning services. The aim of this study was to investigate the level at which
men are involved in family planning practices and implementation in Kakamega County, Kenya. This study adopted
cross-sectional survey design using mixed methodology. The study targeted 17469 household heads in Likuyani, Malava
and Lugari sub-Counties. Krejcie and Morgan Sample size determination formula was used to obtain 376 respondents.
Stratified, simple random, purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the participants.
Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Instrument validity was done through
expert judgement while reliability involved the use of test-retest method. Data obtained was analyzed using quantitative
and qualitative techniques. Frequencies, percentages, mean and Standard deviation was used to analyze quantitative
data. Qualitative data from interview schedules was transcribed, thematically classified and arranged before they were
reported in narrations and quotations. The study found that on average, 10.1% of the inhabitants of Kakamega County
who used family planning methods between the years 2013 to 2017 were men. This shows that the levels at which men
are involved in family planning is low. This study may be of importance to couples in understanding the determinants
that hinder men in participating in family planning.
