In a significant step towards sustainable development, the Kenyan government has launched the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2023, the Kenya National Population Policy for Sustainable Development. This groundbreaking policy aims to place Kenyans at the core of national development by maximizing human capital potential and harnessing the demographic dividend to achieve sustainable development goals.
Speaking at the launch event held at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u emphasized the critical role of population issues in economic development. “Population issues are central to economic development, and rapid population growth, if not matched by economic growth, can impede national development aspirations,” Prof. Ndung’u stated. He highlighted that the fourth National Leaders’ Conference (NLC) on Population and Development, held in May 2021, was instrumental in shaping the new policy. The conference facilitated extensive discussions on population issues, leading to a consensus that was incorporated into the policy framework.
The revision process of the policy was thorough and inclusive, involving consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including leaders, policymakers, and representatives from all 47 counties. “The revision process of this critical policy was comprehensive and inclusive, involving a multi-sectoral, participatory approach,” noted Prof. Ndung’u. Key informant interviews and policy dialogues with private sector representatives, religious leaders, and youth leaders provided valuable insights that shaped the policy.
The Kenya National Population Policy for Sustainable Development addresses seven broad areas:
– Population Size, Growth, and Age Structure
– Fertility
– Morbidity and Mortality
– Mobility, Migration, and Urbanization
– Population, Human Settlement, Environment, and Disasters
– Data, Research, and Innovation
– Resource Mobilization
The policy aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Constitution of Kenya 2010, and various national and international aspirations, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063. It builds on previous policies while responding to the evolving socio-economic landscape and emerging population and development challenges.
Principal Secretary for Economic Planning, Mr. James Muhatia, underscored the importance of the policy: “The Kenya National Population Policy for Sustainable Development is a crucial framework that will guide the development and implementation of population programs. It ensures policy coherence, leverages actions and resources, and anticipates actions based on evidence.”
Dr. Mohamed Sheikh, Director General of the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), highlighted the implementation strategy, which will be carried out at both national and county levels through a multi-sectoral approach. “The NCPD will spearhead efforts, ensuring that all sectoral and inter-sectoral policies and programs are aligned towards achieving the policy’s objectives,” said Dr. Sheikh.
Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u also addressed the significant demographic trends in Kenya, noting that the youth (aged 18-34) constitute about 29 percent of the total population. The youth population grew from 3.2 million in 1989 to 13.2 million in 2019 and is projected to increase to 19 million by 2035. “A youthful population presents an opportunity for accelerated economic growth, but also enormous challenges,” he remarked. Prof. Ndung’u emphasized the importance of investing in health, education, employment, and entrepreneurship to harness the demographic dividend.
The policy aims to provide a responsive, harmonized direction to address critical population and development challenges in a multi-sectoral manner. It seeks to maximize investments in people through quality education, healthcare, job creation, and skills development, ultimately leading to improved human capital development.
Prof. Ndung’u concluded his address by stressing the importance of forward-looking and proactive planning to anticipate major population shifts. “A path towards a more sustainable future requires appropriate population planning, guided by timely information and analytical content. To achieve this, we need to galvanize efforts of all stakeholders,” he urged.
The launch of the Kenya National Population Policy for Sustainable Development marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards achieving its national and international development goals, with a focus on creating a healthy, skilled, and prosperous society for all Kenyans.
