A recent morning discussion on Classic 105 FM, hosted by Mike Mondo and co-host Mwalimu King’ang’i, saw Kenyan men passionately debating whether gender determination during conception is possible.

The lively conversation explored various purported methods, from calculating the woman’s cycle to dietary adjustments.

Background: The Pressure to 'Unify'

Host Mike Mondo initiated the discussion by revealing the personal pressure he faces. As a father in a blended family, he has two biological daughters and other stepchildren through marriage.

He noted that many people have urged him to "unify the marriages" by having a biological son.

Mondo expressed curiosity about the belief that there is a way to influence the outcome.

He highlighted that many people seemingly believe a particular action or timing can guarantee a baby boy.

"Guys are telling me Mike, you need to get a boy now."

Timing and the ‘Calendar Method’

A dominant theory among callers centred on precise timing related to the woman’s menstrual cycle. Several men insisted that calculating the woman’s cycle is crucial.

One piece of advice suggested targeting the 13th or 14th day after the start of her period. One caller stated that on that 13th day, a couple should have abstained for four previous days.

However, opinions conflicted regarding sperm characteristics. One theory proposed that male sperm are faster than female ones, increasing the chances if timing the day of ovulation.

Conversely, another perspective argued that "girl sperms" (known as wapiga mbizi, or divers, in Swahili) are faster swimmers. To get a boy, one should avoid the exact day of ovulation so that the slower male sperm have a chance.

Lifestyle and Chromosomal Beliefs

Unconventional lifestyle and dietary suggestions were also shared. One caller suggested that if a man must drink alcohol, he should stick to beer and "greens".

Another individual claimed that "drunkards" often have very many girls, thus advising men to stop drinking to increase their chances of conceiving a son.

For diet, it was suggested that eating foods rich in potassium and sodium could help determine the gender.

When discussing genetics, one man incorrectly claimed that men possess X chromosomes and women possess Y chromosomes.

Another caller referred to the Y chromosome (which determines a boy) as "very weak," suggesting it quickly dies off, hence the need for specific timing5.

The Divine Counter-Argument

Despite the detailed methodologies proposed, many callers maintained that attempts to manipulate gender are futile. A strong current of belief held that the gender of a child is entirely "God’s doing."

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Callers provided anecdotal evidence to challenge the effectiveness of these "formulas". One man recounted meeting a family where the father had 12 daughters from one mother because he was persistently searching for a boy.

“I was looking for a boy.”

In another instance, a woman was noted to have eight boys and was actively looking for a girl, demonstrating that nature often defies human will.

Furthermore, one caller who currently has four boys with different mothers admitted he still does not know what leads to having a specific gender, and he is now trying to get a girl.

The search for a "guaranteed sure-fire way of getting a boy" continues to perplex and engage men across Kenya.