How goat feasts turn Maasai men into trusted family planning champions

A goat eating session in Olopito village, Narok Central. The session is organized by Evans Nabwari, a male family planning champion to sensitise men on family planning. [Benard Orwongo/Standard] In Olopito village, Narok Central, the aroma of goat meat fills the air as a group of men gathers under an acacia tree, dressed in colourful Maasai shukas. The laughter is loud, the teasing relentless and the bone soup-rich and savoury-keeps spirits high. However, this is not just a social gathering. Behind the light-hearted atmosphere lies a powerful mission: to get men talking about family planning. Dubbed "goat-eating forums," these quarterly male barazas are transforming how family planning is perceived and practised in rural Narok, where cultural and gender roles often limit women's autonomy in reproductive health decisions. "We call it goat-eating, but it's a strategic entry point for dialogue," says Evans Nabwari, a male family planning champion in Narok Central. "You can't just show up and say, 'Let's talk about contraception.' But when men are relaxed, laughing and eating, they're more open to serious conversations. At the heart of the forums is storytelling and open dialogue. Men of all ages-from young adults to elders-gather to discuss family matters, community progress, and, increasingly, the importance of child spacing and reproductive health. Nabwari emphasises that messaging is key. He engages the group by asking anyone with a breastfeeding child to stand and share their fatherhood journey. Fathers are encouraged to fully embrace their role in raising their newborns, fostering better individuals and leaders. At the forum, simple language is used to explain family planning, described simply as "child spacing." The topic sparks interest, with men sharing their experiences as Nabwari takes notes. They collectively acknowledge the importance of child spacing. "We use simple language. Instead of clinical terms like 'contraceptives,' we talk about 'child spacing' and what it means for the health of mothers, children, and the household economy," Nabwari explains. Decision makers Through these sessions, he notes that men, who are key decision-makers at both family and community levels, begin to understand the importance of embracing family planning. The message is not only shared through "goat-eating" gatherings but also in chief-led barazas, community dialogues and targeted health talks during security meetings. This strategy has increased family planning uptake in the county from 32 to 52 per cent, inching closer to the national average of 57 per cent. In Maasai culture, traditional roles dictate that men are the custodians of wealth and decision-making. Many still associate family planning with women and view it with suspicion. "Some men think implants and injectables are harmful or cause infertility," says Nabwari. "Others believe discussing family planning is a woman's affair. But when respected elders and chiefs speak about it, the stigma begins to fade. "Injectables are the most preferred family planning methods within the community, with Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-SC self-injection) being widely embraced. However, challenges remain. Cultural beliefs among morans and interference from community leaders often undermine progress. Nabwari cites instances where leaders, in the same barazas, encourage families to have more children in exchange for votes."Imagine telling people to space their children, then a politician stands up and says, 'Give birth, we need numbers for elections,'" he laments. Despite setbacks, Nabwari emphasises that information is key to progress. "When people understand why child spacing matters-for health, finances, and education-they make better choices. "The goat-eating forums continue to grow in popularity, attracting more men each session. Beyond talk, the impact is visible: more men are escorting their wives to health centres, asking questions about contraceptive methods, and openly supporting family planning. "This isn't just about numbers," says Nabwari. "It's about changing mindsets. When men lead the charge, communities follow." Measure of strength Elsewhere, in Lemat Ward, Kajiado Central, Moses Partot, a Community Health Promoter (CHP), takes a different but equally impactful approach. Armed with information and empathy, he goes door-to-door delivering family planning messages, one household at a time. "Previously, family planning was unheard of," says Partot. "Any woman who used contraceptives was labelled promiscuous. But with time, those myths are fading, and men are now taking the lead. Through home visits, Partot offers tailored counselling, demystifies common myths, and refers couples to health facilities for professional care. His efforts have not only improved awareness but also shifted attitudes." "In the past, women would secretly visit hospitals for family planning services," he recalls. "Today, their husbands not only help choose the method but also accompany them to health centres. "In some households, the parent is the first person to openly discuss child spacing. "Among the Maasai, having many children was once seen as a symbol of wealth. But today, couples are realising that raising a manageable number of children, whom they can educate, feed and support, is the real measure of strength," he says. Estella Waiguru, an official from the Division of Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health, acknowledges the vital role men play in promoting family planning, especially in culturally rich communities where men are the primary decision-makers. She notes that in regions where traditional norms remain strong, men may lack adequate understanding of what family planning entails and how it benefits women of reproductive age. "We must focus on engaging men and helping them understand the importance of family planning," says Waiguru. "Without their involvement, we may not achieve the desired increase in uptake among the target population." The uptake of modern family planning in Kenya stands at 58 per cent, with general family planning at 60 per cent. According to the FP2030 Commitments, Kenya aims to increase modern contraceptive prevalence from 58 per cent in 2022 to 64 per cent by 2030. Additionally, the country plans to reduce the unmet need for family planning among all women from 14 to 10 per cent by 2030."Family planning is about child spacing and may have been misinterpreted. Access has been limited by misunderstandings of what family planning is. We are focused on reaching men to help demystify myths," says Waiguru. The introduction of self-injectable contraceptives by the Ministry has also enhanced uptake. These injectables are safe and effective at preventing unintended pregnancies when administered correctly and consistently every three months. Unlike hospital visits, self-injectables can be administered at home at a preferred time. The Ministry has guidelines for self-injectable contraceptives to guide users, who are trained by healthcare providers such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, clinical officers, and CHPs. Users are also trained on proper disposal of the injectables."Some women say self-injectables have reduced stigma because they can collect them at hospitals and administer them at home at their preferred time, unlike lining up in hospitals for family planning services," says Waiguru. The Ministry is working with partners like inSupply to increase access points for self-injectables. Through this collaboration, inSupply has trained at least 500 pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists to offer self-injectable services across 11 counties: Nakuru, Nairobi, Narok, Kisii, Kisumu, Kericho, Kajiado, Kiambu, Isiolo, Meru, and Uasin Gishu. These professionals provide counselling and ensure informed choice at the point of service. If a client needs family planning services not offered by pharmacists, they are referred to hospitals for quality care.

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