Kiama Kia Ma Calls for Diaper Ban Over Alleged Harm to Children’s Reproductive Health

The Kikuyu cultural organization Kiama Kia Ma has urged the government to ban diapers, claiming they negatively impact children’s reproductive health.

Speaking at Hillcrest Academy School in Kanunga village during a ceremony where over 100 boys were initiated into manhood, Kimando wa Kagwe, the Kiambu Subcounty Chairman of Kiama Kia Ma, expressed concern about the condition of boys undergoing circumcision.

“During the circumcision process, we were alarmed to observe that many boys had noticeably small reproductive organs. Medical experts involved in the process suggested that prolonged use of diapers, combined with the heat they generate, could be a contributing factor,” Kimando stated.

He further criticized the lack of timely diaper changes by parents, which he said exacerbates the problem. “A diaper can hold up to two liters of liquid. When children stay in soiled and heavy diapers for extended periods, it may cause harm to their genitals,” he explained.

Kimando noted that the issue posed challenges during the circumcision procedures, saying, “While all the boys have successfully transitioned into manhood and healed, for some, the situation resembled a severe wound.”

Parents Echo Concerns

Mary Wangari, a parent, supported the elders’ concerns, urging a shift back to traditional nappies. She attributed the problem to both financial constraints and parental negligence.

“Some young mothers leave children in the same diaper overnight and throughout the day due to laziness or lack of money to buy enough diapers. This prolonged exposure is harmful and damages their genitals,” Wangari said.

She appealed to the government to take decisive action, either banning diapers or introducing safer alternatives. “Just like polythene bags were banned for environmental reasons, diapers should also be eliminated or replaced with better options,” she added.

Environmental Concerns Raised

The elders also highlighted the environmental impact of diaper waste, calling for stricter regulations to address the growing litter problem.

Kiama Kia Ma has called on policymakers to prioritize children’s health and environmental sustainability by implementing a diaper ban or exploring viable solutions to mitigate the risks.