sadmin By Charles Odour
ICS SP Kenya, in partnership with the County Government of Kakamega (Departments of Special Programmes, Health, and Education), held a grassroots sensitization campaign targeting the triple threats of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), teenage pregnancies, and new HIV infections among adolescents aged 10 to 24 years.
This multisectoral stakeholders’ forum brought together national policymakers and health providers, including the Social Health Authority, the Civil Registry, local health facilities, and hospitality industry representatives such as Golf Hotel Kakamega. The initiative aims to strengthen community action against the triple threats, following alarming data from the County Department of Children Services showing that by the end of 2025, 22% of all pregnant mothers in Kakamega County were between 11 and 16 years old, while 19% of new HIV infections occurred among adolescents below 16 years.
“Shinyalu is leading in cases of teenage pregnancy and reported SGBV, followed by Malava, Lurambi, Ikolomani, and other sub-counties,” said CPA Livingstone Imbayi, Kakamega County CECM for Health, while addressing the forum.
The campaign is spearheaded by Ms. Josephine Odhiambo, Programmes Coordinator and main sponsor of the event. In an exclusive interview, she expressed gratitude for the partnerships and urged communities and stakeholders to join hands in sustaining the fight.
“This campaign on triple threats is ongoing. We began in Shinyalu on 31st July and 1st August, and will move to Malava on Friday, 7th and Saturday 8th August 2026. I appreciate the partnerships that enabled us to reach more than 2,000 adolescents in Shinyalu with guidance and counselling, pregnancy and HIV screening, TB testing by our partner Tiko, as well as ID and SHA registrations and other essential services,” said Ms. Odhiambo.
She added that the campaign aims to reach over 4,000 adolescents across the two sub-counties. However, she noted that cultural barriers remain a challenge.
“As we work towards reducing or eliminating these triple threats in Kakamega, culture remains a major obstacle. In many communities, reporting SGBV is discouraged, and reliance on kangaroo courts denies adolescents their right to justice,” she emphasized.
The event concluded with jubilation as participants shared personal experiences, watched film episodes highlighting real community challenges, and received encouragement on available support systems.
Report by: Lubao FM Digital Media | Lubao Television Network LTN
ICS SPCounty Government of KakamegaRising To Greatness OrganizationState Department for Children Services KenyaState Department for Public Service
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#YouthEmpowerment#ProtectAdolescents#HealthEducation#CultureChange#JusticeForAdolescents
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