The concept of linking population to economic development is not new in Kenya, as is evidenced through Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965 on African Socialism and its application to economic planning. The paper noted the link between the country’s population growth and its resultant impact on social-economic development. As a consequence thereof, a population policy formulated and ultimately adopted in 1967 culminated in the formation of the National Family Planning Action Programmes (under the Ministry of Health). The policy document laid immense emphasis on the need for the reduction of family size and spacing of children.

The National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) was established in 1982 as a department in the then office of the Vice President and Ministry of Home Affairs. Its role was mainly to advice on all matters pertaining to population. NCPD’s mandate was further enhanced under Sessional Paper No. 4 of 1984 on Population Policy Guidelines, and was later revised, to form the backbone of Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2000 on National Population Policy for Sustainable Development.

The National Coordinating Agency for Population and Development (NCAPD) was established as a Semi Government Autonomous Agency (SAGA) through Legal Notice No. 120 contained in the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 68 of 29th October, 2004. Through legal notice No. 172 contained in Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 152, dated 25th November 2011, the organization has since reverted back to its original name, the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD).