News23 July 2026 - 13:22

Wacha mama apumzike! Ruto urges men to embrace family planning

President says free maternity services should not be taken as an excuse to pressure women into having more children

by PERPETUA ETYANG

Audio By Vocalize

President William Ruto has urged Kenyan men to embrace family planning, saying free maternity services under the government's Linda Jamii programme should not be taken as an excuse to pressure women into having more children.

Speaking during a meeting with Nairobi County Artisans at State House, Ruto said the government has expanded the former Linda Mama programme into Linda Jamii, with enhanced support for expectant mothers from pregnancy through childbirth.

"What used to be called Linda Mama is now Linda Jamii. To all the mothers, as long as you have felt you are pregnant, starting from there, the government will pay for you to go to the clinic until you give birth," he said.

"The government will take care of the child, the mother and the father. We have set aside enough money."

Ruto said the government has tripled the amount allocated under the programme from Sh4,000 to improve maternal healthcare services.

"In the past years, the government had set aside Sh4,000. Today, we have tripled it to ensure that mothers give birth in a clean environment with medicine and doctors so that we don't lose mothers and our children," he said.

The President, however, used the opportunity to call on men to support family planning and allow women adequate time to recover after childbirth.

"Even you, men, if I may ask, I have said that we shall pay for the mothers to give birth, but that does not mean that every day you disturb them. No, my fellow men, don't disturb the mothers, telling them that giving birth is free. Let the women rest; have a plan. Men, you should go slow,” he said.

The audience burst with laughter as he stressed the importance of responsible parenthood alongside the government's investment in maternal and child healthcare.

Ruto hosted more than 5,000 mechanics and artisans from Nairobi county.

The President said he explained the government's comprehensive programme to empower them through various initiatives.

Ruto said more than 40,000 Kenyans have already registered under the Recognition of Prior Learning programme, which will train and issue certificates to artisans of various crafts.

"We encourage more skilled workers to enrol so that their experience and expertise can be formally recognised, opening doors to greater economic participation. Further, we are building modern workshops for artisans and mechanics across the city to provide dignified workplaces, enhance safety standards, and facilitate the licensing and formalisation of their businesses," he said.

Ruto said the government will provide Sh80 million to support artisans and mechanics in Nairobi County to acquire modern equipment and tools, enabling them to improve productivity and expand their enterprises.