The County Government of Nakuru has reaffirmed its partnership with Girl Effect Kenya to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensure equitable access to quality sexual and reproductive health services across the devolved unit.

Through the corporation, a 30-month sexual and reproductive health programme, targeting adolescent girls and young women in all 11 sub-counties has been initiated.

According to County Coordinator for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Ms. Jessica Mung’au, the venture seeks to break barriers to healthcare access, by equipping young women with reliable health information, informed decision-making skills and quality reproductive health services.

Ms. Mung’au indicated that County health leaders and sub-county health teams from Rongai, Njoro and Naivasha Sub-counties convened for a two-day conference, aimed at strengthening coordination and equipping health teams, to support the initiative ahead of its launch.

The Conference follows an earlier engagement between Girl Effect Kenya and the County Health Management Team (CHMT), during which the Organization introduced the programme and the two parties established a framework for collaboration.

Ms. Mung’au thanked Girl Effect Kenya for selecting Nakuru, as one of the programme’s implementing counties, noting that the initiative had the potential to positively impact communities, particularly adolescent girls and young women.

“Adolescent girls and young women need access to accurate health information, supportive services and a safe environment, in which to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” she pointed out.

Ms. Mung’au noted that the partnership will strengthen their efforts to address the barriers girls and young women face and ensure they can access the care and support they need.

According to the Nakuru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, Stephen Kuria, the partnership complements Governor Susan Kihika’s Administration efforts, to improve access to reproductive health information and services among young people.

He noted that investing in the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls and young women, is essential to improving health outcomes and building healthier communities.

Mr Kuria reassured that the Devolved Unit, will work with Girl Effect Kenya and all the sub-county health teams, to ensure the programme is effectively implemented and that young people receive reliable information and appropriate healthcare services.

The CECM said that preparing healthcare teams ahead of implementation, was important in ensuring that services respond to young people’s needs, while upholding confidentiality, dignity and informed decision-making.

Representatives of Girl Effect Kenya, said the programme would use youth-centred approaches and collaboration with local health teams and communities, to connect adolescent girls and young women with trusted information and appropriate services.

They explained that the programme is designed to put adolescent girls and young women at the centre of decisions affecting their health, adding that by working closely with the County government, healthcare providers and communities, Girl Effect Kenya aim to connect young people with trusted information and services that enable them to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.

The Two-Day Conference is expected to strengthen the preparedness of County and  the sub-county health teams, clarify implementation arrangements and promote a coordinated approach to delivering the programme across Nakuru County.

The participation of health teams from Rongai, Njoro and Naivasha, also provides an opportunity to identify local challenges that could limit young people’s access to reproductive health information and services and inform the programme’s implementation.

According to Girl Effect Kenya, approximately two million adolescent girls in Kenya, lack access to modern contraception, contributing to an estimated one million teenage pregnancies annually.

The Organization reports that about 2.5 million girls struggle with mental health disorders, with nearly 90 per cent receiving no support, while only 16 per cent of young women are in formal employment.

The organization notes that adolescent girls and young women face both internal and external barriers that limit their control over their health, education and livelihoods.

Even where information is available, harmful gender norms, systems and policies can prevent them from making independent decisions and accessing opportunities.

Girl Effect Kenya works to address these challenges through media, digital technology and community engagement, helping young people access information, develop confidence and connect with relevant services.

The areas of focus include sexual and reproductive health, mental well-being, education, social norms and economic empowerment.

One of its initiatives is WAZZII, a digital health platform that provides young people with accessible information and personalized guidance through WhatsApp.

The service also connects users to trained health agents and vetted healthcare services, including sexual health consultations and mental health support.

The Organization uses television dramas, radio programmes, youth-led podcasts, social media and community events, through its Tukisonga youth initiative, to engage young people on health, relationships and livelihood opportunities.

Girl Effect Kenya, says its approach is based on the understanding that when adolescent girls and young women receive appropriate support, they are better positioned to overcome barriers, make informed choices and pursue their full potential.

Through the partnership with Nakuru County, the organisation is expected to support efforts to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health information and services for adolescent girls and young women across the county’s 11 sub-counties.

By Jane Ngugi and Caroline Nyakio