High birth rate a threat to economic growth

By James Anyanzwa

Children aged between zero and four constitute the largest portion of the population.

According to the 2009 Kenya Population and Housing Census, this group represent 15.38 per cent of the country’s 38.6 million people.

Those aged between five and nine make up 14.5 per cent of the population.

Statistics show the population increased by 35 per cent, while the country’s birth rate is estimated at 39 births per 1,000. This places Kenya among low-income countries with highest birth rates.

Life expectancy is, however, approximated at 54 years.

Kenya’s population growth is fairly high for her size and level of socio-economic development.

The country is adding about one million people to its population annually, which is expected to present a big challenge for sustainable socio-economic development.

Those aged 10-14 years stand at 13.04 per cent of the population, 15-19 years (10.8 per cent), 20-24 years (9.78 per cent), 25-29 years (8.29 per cent), and 30-34 years (6.53 per cent).

Those between 35 and 39 years represent 5.2 per cent of the population, 40-44 years (3.82 per cent), 45-49 years (3.3 per cent), 50-54 years (2.48 per cent), 55-59 years (1.84 per cent), 60-64 years (1.54 per cent), 65-69 years (1 per cent), 70-74 years (0.88 per cent), 75-79 years (0.57 per cent), and 80 years and above (1 per cent).

Population growth is among numerous factors hampering development. Kenya may not be able to foster national development at the current rate of population growth.

Researchers contend that if the country wants to achieve universal primary education, food security, primary healthcare for all and reduction in maternal and infant deaths, couples have to have smaller families.

Social experts have singled out lack of family planning as one of the key reasons for an increase in poverty.