An investigation of curricula of adolescent fertility management programmes in Kenya: a case study

Abstract

The problem addressed in this study concerned an investigation of the curricula of adolescent fertility management programmes in Kenya. The research examined the curricula of adolescent fertility management programmes of some of the agencies, being conducted in Kenya.

The data generated were accomplished through the administration of three questionnaires: one for nine executive officers of the agencies, the second for thirty-six field officers, while the third was for one hundred fifty-three adolescents in high schools. In addition, interviews were conducted by the study to the executive officers; together with an analysis of some of the curricula documents, such as annual reports, and syllabuses. The questionnaires were both of "open-ended", and "closed-ended" type.

The design was a descriptive case study, covering Nairobi area. Seven research questions were constructed to assist the research conduct the study. These were:

1) Are there adolescent fertility management (AFM) programmes in Kenya? How do the adolescents know about their existence?

2) Of what purpose are the AFM programmes in Kenya?

3) Do the agencies, which conduct these programmes, have adequate financial and manpower resources for effective operation?

4) What are the objectives of the curricula of these agencies?

5) How do these agencies ensure that the adolescents understand the above stated AFM curricula objectives?

6) How do the adolescents make use of these programmes?

7) How could these programmes be improved for the benefit of the adolescents?

Data from the respondents was compiled into tables, which were then analyzed by the researcher.

Results of this study indicated that between 1967 and 1986, many agencies with AFM programmes were established in Kenya. It was indicated that one of the objectives for the establishment of these agencies was the need to fill-up the gap created by the declining role of parents and the community as a whole in providing solutions to the needs and problems of the adolescents. The results found the incidence of adolescent pregnancy to be one of the major problems facing adolescents. It was therefore felt that there was great need for the adolescents to be exposed to AFM programmes to enable them take proper care of themselves and grow into responsible adults. A positive relationship was drawn between a high adolescent fertility rate and a rapid population growth rate.

The study found that some of the agencies had drawn up adolescent-oriented curricula. The study also found that these agencies were experiencing some constraints in conducting their AFM programmes. The constraints included lack of adequate financial and manpower resources. It was recommended that efforts be made to coordinate the activities of all the agencies conducting AFM programmes in the country, in formulating a unified curriculum for the adolescents. It was also recommended that parents, local and church leaders in the community be consulted in the formulation of the AFM objectives, to avoid clashes of values and beliefs between the community and the agencies. In addition, a more comprehensive evaluation of AFM programmes was recommended.