Empirical Analysis of Determinants of Demand for Family Planning Services in Kenya’s City Slums

A journal article by Dr. Timothy Chrispinus Okech, an assistant professor of economics in the Chandaria School of Business at United States International University-Africa.The purpose of the study was to empirically examine the determinants of demand for family planning services in Kenya’s slums using a binomial logit model. The study revealed low usage of family planning services due to various factors. In order of significance, these include partner’s approval, quality of the services, friendliness of the staff administering the services and the woman’s knowledge about family planning services. Others were the woman’s income level, proximity to the provider and the religious background of the woman. In lieu of the findings, various recommendations were suggested to enhance use of family planning services in the slums as a bold step towards enhance uptake of family planning services. Other than reviving and enhancing the activities of community based distributors, promotion of family planning education and activities at the household level should be carried out. Similarly, formation of lobby groups to enhance cultural change, as well as awareness creation and counselling, and integration of family planning services with HIV/AIDS were also been recommended