In a society where rigid masculine norms often hinder men from embracing positive health-seeking behaviours, Ken Shujaa from Kabachia strives to break those barriers.

His journey began four years ago when he realized the dire need for change in his community.

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Shujaa shared that he saw first-hand the challenges faced by families in the informal settlement, with a single family having four to five children due to the lack of information on contraceptive use, particularly among men.

Read: Alarm as wives vote against vasectomy, MoH reveals

"Since I have always worked with the community, I saw the gap, especially the lack of factual information on the use of contraceptives among men. That is why I took it upon myself to sensitize them," Shujaa notes.

Ken Shujaa during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on September 26, 2023.

Photo credit: MERCY KIHUGU/MTAA WANGU

In many households, men hold significant decision-making power, including family planning choices.

Shujaa recognizes this power dynamic and emphasizes the importance of men's engagement in contraceptive decisions within relationships and marriages.

"With the power men hold, it's very significant for them to be engaged in the process of using contraceptives," he says.

Shujaa's efforts have not gone unnoticed, he has witnessed a remarkable reduction in family conflicts that previously arose from women using contraceptives without their partner's knowledge.

As a father of two, Shujaa says he practices what he preaches.

According to him, he and his partner engage in open dialogues about contraceptive options, both modern and traditional, to improve maternal health and enhance their quality of life.

However, the journey is far from over as he acknowledges the need for continued efforts to dispel myths surrounding contraceptives, particularly among men in Nakuru County noting it's a challenge that requires collective action.

The 38-year-old notes that he will continue advocating for a healthier, more informed, and empowered community to break the barriers and ensure that every individual and family has the information and support they need to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

Related: Who should have a say on family planning methods between the man and the woman?

“It's time for men to step up and become champions to achieve the desired family size.”

The Nakuru County Health Department is taking steps by leveraging the influence of men like Shujaa by actively training and nurturing contraceptive champions with 55 male champions identified across the county.

The goal is to promote a male-driven contraceptive agenda, ultimately improving access and uptake of contraceptives in the county.

mercykihugu@gmail.com

Shujaa: Man in Kabachia educating other men on importance of family planning

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Mercy Kihugu