Key Social Norms Take-aways This study highlights strong and intersecting social and gender norms that shape family planning (FP) behaviors among nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralist communities in North Eastern Kenya. Norms that encourage large families are both descriptive (what is commonly done) and injunctive (what is socially approved), deeply tied to religion, fate, and community value systems. Modern contraceptive use is stigmatized, perceived as contrary to religious beliefs and only acceptable under specific health-related circumstances. Men are seen as primary reproductive decision-makers, and spacing births through traditional methods like breastfeeding is widely accepted. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive and community-led interventions that engage with entrenched norms rather than imposing external FP agendas.

Objectives To explore gender and social norms around child spacing and modern family planning, fertility preferences, and how these relate to both local practices and global family planning programs in pastoralist communities of Wajir and Mandera counties, Kenya.

Methods The study used qualitative methods, including 48 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 16 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 170 men and women aged 15–49 from nomadic and semi-nomadic communities. Data were collected in November 2018 and thematically analyzed using a conceptual framework addressing norm types (descriptive, injunctive) and levels of influence.

Results Participants expressed a strong normative preference for large families (8–15 children), sustained by religious and social values. While birth spacing of 2–3 years was seen as healthy and acceptable—often achieved through breastfeeding and abstinence—modern FP methods were heavily stigmatized and associated with outsiders or extreme circumstances (e.g., maternal health crises). Use of modern methods was believed to violate Islamic teachings and could provoke social sanctions, including gossip, violence, or divorce. Decision-making around FP was largely controlled by men, with women’s autonomy limited by gendered expectations.

Conclusions FP programs targeting pastoralist communities must carefully navigate deeply rooted social and religious norms. Interventions should promote child spacing through acceptable practices while gradually shifting attitudes toward modern contraception. Engaging religious and community leaders and co-creating behavior change strategies with local stakeholders is critical to improving reproductive health access and outcomes in marginalized, mobile populations.