At 30 years old, Gentrix Wekesa is the mother of 10 children and shows no signs of stopping. Her husband, however, is determined to have 22 children.
Wekesa hails from Navakholo village in Kakamega, an area where many men firmly oppose the concept of family planning. Despite her attempts to discuss contraceptive options with her husband, he remains steadfast in his refusal, already having 20 children and aiming to reach 22 to affirm his status among his peers.
Currently expecting her 11th child, with her youngest still under a year old, Wekesa had chosen to use a family planning shot three years ago. Yet, she finds herself once again bearing children in line with her husband’s desires.
In the Luhya community, especially among the Bunyala men, there is a deep-seated resistance to women using contraceptives. They view large families as a symbol of respect and pride, believing that contraceptives obstruct the path to achieving this goal.
According to some Banyala elders, the notion of having many children aligns with God’s command to populate the Earth, viewing family planning as a challenge to divine will.
However, a growing number of Banyala men are beginning to reassess their stance on childbearing in light of the economic hardships they face. Some now recognize the challenges posed by their large families and are reconsidering their previously unwavering stance.
