The trend of men becoming fathers later in life is growing in Kenya, influenced by evolving societal norms, career aspirations, and personal choices. However, this decision, particularly for men over 50, carries substantial medical, social, and ethical considerations, as recently highlighted by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo.

Speaking on the matter, Odhiambo noted, "Nowadays, because of peer pressure, you'll still find an 80-year-old man wanting to have a child." This sentiment underscores a broader discussion about the complexities of advanced paternal age, which demands careful reflection beyond romanticized notions of late-life parenting.

Medical and Physical Realities

Advanced paternal age is consistently linked to increased health risks for both the child and the father. Research indicates that older fathers are more likely to transmit genetic mutations to their offspring.

A 2018 study published in The BMJ found that children born to fathers over 45 years old face higher risks of conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and certain congenital disorders due to age-related changes in sperm DNA. Similarly, a 2019 study in Nature revealed that older men have a greater likelihood of passing on de novo mutations, which can lead to developmental issues. For rare genetic conditions like Apert syndrome, men over 50 are up to five times more likely to have affected children compared to those under 30.

The fathers themselves are not exempt from health concerns. Men above 50 are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mobility challenges. A 2020 study in The Lancet noted that men over 60 have a significantly higher mortality risk, raising concerns about their capacity to provide long-term care and support for their children. Parenting demands considerable physical energy, including late nights and active play, which can be overwhelming for older fathers, potentially impacting their well-being and their child's upbringing.

Social and Generational Gaps

Beyond health, older fatherhood introduces social complexities. Children with significantly older fathers may experience a generational disconnect. A 2023 report by the Pew Research Center indicated that these children often encounter cultural gaps, making it challenging to relate to their parents on daily issues.

In Kenya, where school events, birthday parties, and peer interactions are integral to childhood, an older father might feel out of place among younger parents, potentially leading to isolation for both father and child. MP Millie Odhiambo's remarks also touched upon the societal pressure many older men face to demonstrate virility or maintain a legacy. This pressure can sometimes overshadow the practical realities and social challenges of raising a child at an advanced age.

Ethical and Financial Considerations

Ethical questions also arise, particularly concerning the long-term well-being of the child. A child born to a 70-year-old father, for instance, may face the loss of a parent before reaching adulthood. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the global male life expectancy at approximately 73 years. This presents a real possibility that such fathers may not witness crucial milestones in their children's lives, such as graduations or weddings, potentially leaving significant emotional and financial burdens on the child and surviving family members.

Financially, late fatherhood can strain resources. Raising a child through to adulthood, including education and other needs, requires substantial financial stability over many years. Older fathers may have fewer working years ahead, potentially impacting their ability to provide sustained financial support.

Laws and Policy in Kenya

In Kenya, the Children Act (Act No. 29 of 2022) emphasizes the right of every child to parental care and protection from both parents, whether married or not. This places a joint and mandatory obligation on both parents to provide for the child's needs. While the law does not specify an upper age limit for fatherhood, recent legal developments have aimed to ensure equal parental responsibility. For example, a 2022 court ruling by Justice Joel Ngugi of the Nakuru law courts allowed fathers to be granted custody of young children, overturning previous interpretations of Section 8 of the Children's Act of 2001 that often favored mothers for children under 10.

What to Watch

The increasing average age of fatherhood globally and in Kenya necessitates ongoing public discourse and policy considerations. As medical science advances and societal norms continue to shift, further research into the long-term impacts of advanced paternal age on child development and family structures will be crucial. Public health campaigns could play a role in informing prospective older fathers about the potential risks and responsibilities involved.