Nairobi — Population is a key factor in economic development. For years, Kenya, like other developing nations, had put a lot of emphasis on controlling population growth, with the understanding that through that, it would manage its economy better.

Serious campaigns to control births were mounted in the 1970s and 80s, when the population growth rate surged due to improved medical and living conditions. But this created several challenges, including unemployment.

Family planning methods were introduced and, with time, a population that had been growing at 3.8 per cent annually in the 1980 and 90s, fell to about 2.8 per cent in the 2000s. Similarly, the fertility rate went down from 8.1 per cent in the 1970s to under 5 per cent in the 90s.

However, the gains on birth control are being reversed. This week, Planning minister Wycliffe Oparanya drew the country's attention to the fact that it is losing the plot. Population growth is once again up at 3 per cent, from a low of 2.7 per cent three years ago.

As populations grows by 3 percent, the economy only records a 2.5 per cent gain -- representing a skewed development pattern.

Part of the reason for the resurgence in population growth is that the country has shifted focus to other developmental challenges, mainly HIV/Aids, which has far-reaching socio-economic and demographic consequences.

Government spending on family planning has gone down and the erstwhile robust campaigns have been muted. We have to go back to the basics and reinvigorate the campaigns.

The diminishing natural resources and declining economic growth simply means that the country cannot afford more mouths. A high population growth means rising poverty levels and social challenges like unemployment and increased crime.

Kenya has what it takes to manage its population. It only needs to borrow from the past experience and control birth to secure a good future for the citizens.