By Dorothy Musyoka
In a move to safeguard the health and future of young people, the Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to implement the National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Policy.
This renewed push comes amid alarming findings from the Kenya Demographic Health Survey, which reveal that 15% of children aged 10 to 18 have already given birth.
“The policy, introduced three years ago, seeks to prevent gender-based violence, including defilement, and reduce teenage pregnancies,” stated MOH.
Speaking at a media sensitization workshop in Nairobi, Dr. Jacqueline Kisia, Director of Sexual Reproductive Health, emphasized the urgency of addressing teenage pregnancies and sexual exploitation.
“Children should not be having children,” she stated firmly, underlining the policy’s goal to reduce early and unintended pregnancies, as well as gender-based violence.
Dr. Christine Wambugu, Director of Adolescent Health, echoed the sentiment, stressing the critical role of families in guiding young people. She introduced a newly developed parenting manual designed to help caregivers foster trust and open conversations with teenagers.
In addition, the Ministry has published Understanding Adolescents, a comprehensive handbook tailored to equip teens with accurate information about their bodies, growth, and sexuality.
“Additionally, a handbook titled Understanding Adolescents has been published to equip young people with knowledge about their bodies and development,” she added.
These interventions are part of the wider Step Up to Access campaign a youth-led regional movement spanning Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The campaign is spearheaded by Youth Advocates aiming to curb teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and new HIV infections.
Tatenda Songore, the campaign’s Executive Director, urged for stronger integration of reproductive health education in school curricula.