By Kamadi Amata & Bonface Onsongo

For decades, family planning in Kenya has largely been viewed as a woman’s responsibility. From contraceptive pills to hormonal injections and implants, women have borne the brunt of managing reproduction—often enduring uncomfortable side effects. But as the country moves toward gender equality and shared responsibility, a quiet shift is beginning to emerge: more Kenyan men are stepping up and choosing vasectomy.

Vasectomy is a safe, permanent form of male contraception that involves cutting or sealing the tubes that carry sperm. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and is done under local anesthesia. Contrary to widespread misconceptions, it does not affect a man’s strength, hormones, or sexual performance. Yet despite its safety and effectiveness, uptake has traditionally remained low.

That trend, however, is beginning to change. According to the 2023 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the number of Kenyan men undergoing vasectomy more than doubled in just one year. From only 334 men in 2020, the number rose to 557. While still low compared to other methods, the increase reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of male-centered family planning.

One such man is Otiato Andai, a father who decided to undergo the procedure after discussing it with his wife. “I had a vasectomy almost a year ago. I’m perfectly fine. Nothing changed. We agreed our family was complete, and now there’s no fear of unplanned pregnancies,” he says. “Men should not fear it. Vasectomy is safe and responsible.”

Yet, many men still harbor doubts. Samuel Odongo Okello, a father of three from Kawangware, is curious but cautious. “As men, we have fears. Some say you lose your manhood. There’s still a lot of stigma and misinformation,” he says.

That stigma is fueled by traditional beliefs and societal pressure, especially in parts of western Kenya where fathering many children is still seen as a sign of strength and wealth. Some, like Peter Juma, oppose the method entirely. “God created us whole. Cutting or blocking something that was put there naturally is wrong. It feels like interfering with nature,” he argues.

But women like Dinah Rozaria view vasectomy as a welcome relief. “Women suffer from the side effects of pills and injections. Some methods even fail. Vasectomy can protect both women and families. It also promotes trust and faithfulness in marriage,” she says.

Health experts are working to dispel myths and encourage uptake. Dr. Charles Otieno, a vasectomy specialist, emphasizes that the procedure is safe, simple, and does not interfere with male hormones or sexual function. “We block the sperm tubes, which carry only 5% of the semen. The rest is fluid from other glands. The man still ejaculates normally. Hormones and libido remain unchanged,” he explains.

Recovery is quick, often within days, and complications are rare. “After a day or two, most men return to work. Even sexual activity can resume after three days,” says Dr. Otieno.

The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is one of the most effective methods of contraception that exists-the failure rate is approximately 1 man in 2,000 (According to Mariestopes data)

The government is also signaling its support. In the 2025/26 national budget, Kenya allocated Ksh. 500 million for the procurement of family planning and reproductive health commodities. An additional Ksh. 3.8 billion was set aside for community-level reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health services. These investments underscore a broader commitment to making family planning accessible to all.

Despite this progress, experts say more effort is needed. Reproductive health is a constitutional right in Kenya, enshrined in Article 43 of the 2010 Constitution. As a signatory to international treaties, Kenya is obligated to provide equitable access to family planning services for both women and men.

“We need more education, especially in rural areas, to challenge myths and promote informed choices,” says Dr. Otieno. “Vasectomy is not about losing manhood. It’s about taking responsibility.”

As Kenya pushes for universal reproductive health coverage and shared responsibility in family planning, vasectomy could be the bold move that reshapes the narrative. And for a growing number of men, that move starts with a simple conversation and a commitment to a better future for their families.