By Eddah Waithaka
Key stakeholders gathered today at the Kenya Population and Development Conference held at the University of Nairobi’s Chandaria Auditorium.
The PS State Department for Economic Planning James Muhati officially launching the Kenya Population and Development Conference 2025 on behalf of the CS John Mbadi.
The PS noted that the conference came at an opportune time when the country has started implementing the Fourth Medium Term Plan which is informed by Kenya Vision 2030, Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and Global and Regional Development Commitments.
He added that conference will bridge the gap between the policy makers and researchers, private sector, development partners and other stakeholders.
In the CS speech, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi said the conference brought together policymakers, researchers, academia, and development partners to deliberate on critical population issues and chart a sustainable path forward.
Hon. Mbadi emphasized the importance of the conference in aligning Kenya’s development agenda with global and regional frameworks.
“This conference provides a golden opportunity for stakeholders to discuss contemporary population issues and contribute to the achievement of national goals and aspirations,” his speech read.
He highlighted Kenya’s progress in improving key population indicators, including a significant increase in life expectancy from 54.1 years in 2000 to 66.8 years in 2021, and a decline in the total fertility rate from 6.7 in 1989 to 3.4 in 2024.
The conference also marked the launch of the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2023 on Kenya National Population Policy for Sustainable Development.
Dr. Julius Karangi, Board Chairman of the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), described the policy as a milestone in Kenya’s development journey.
“The policy places population at the centre of development, emphasizing the maximization of human capital potential through harnessing the demographic dividend,” he stated.
He further outlined the Council’s Strategic Plan (2023-2027), which prioritizes programs aligned with Kenya Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and international frameworks such as the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Mohamed Sheikh, Director General of NCPD, underscored the Council’s pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s population and development agenda since its establishment in 1982.
“Despite remarkable progress, challenges such as youth unemployment, urbanization, climate change, and funding cuts persist,” he noted.
Dr. Sheikh called for a shift in focus from population numbers to improving the quality of life for all Kenyans, particularly in light of changing demographics, including an aging population and a growing working-age cohort.
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The conference also served as a platform to reflect on global milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
Delegates validated commitments made in Cairo and discussed ways to address emerging issues such as migration governance, urbanization, and disaster risk response.
The outcomes of the conference are expected to influence discussions at the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) in April 2025, ensuring that Kenya’s perspectives are integrated into the global agenda.
The conference will continue for three days from March 11-13. Key partners were recognized for their generous financial and technical support, which was instrumental in shaping the discussions and initiatives that took place. The partners include the Population Council, UNFPA, RHNK, APHRC, Lwala Community Alliance, Faith to Action, PS Kenya, and ICRHK.
As Kenya continues to navigate its demographic transition, the conference highlights the importance of collective effort and a coordinated approach to achieving sustainable development for all.
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