Kenya’s Constitution 2010 and the Vision 2030 development blueprints require the country to provide the highest attainable standards of healthcare to all her population. Together with the Government’s “Big Four” Agenda, the Ministry of Health has an obligation to prioritize operationalization of the Universal Health Coverage policy (UHC) 2020-2030 that clearly outlines the strategic direction for the sector in ensuring access to health services and information for all, including to adolescents and young people. Kenya’s National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Policy 2015 further aims to improve the health of adolescents in the country and help them reach their full potential in national development.
During the recently concluded 8th Pan- African RHNK scientific conference in Mombasa from the 23rd -27th June 2025, the Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN) joined like-minded stakeholders in promoting and advocating for sexual health and reproductive rights. Mr. Edwine Nyanja, Program officer at KELIN presented an Abstract on promoting meaningful youth participation on policies & other adolescent youth sexual reproductive health & rights frameworks in Kenya that emphasized the need to include and engage adolescents and young people in policy making and on decision-making tables. During his presentation, Mr. Nyanja reiterated that young people are tomorrow’s parents and therefore the decisions they make today concerning their sexual & reproductive health affect the wellbeing of their communities and countries in years to come.
Policy goals promote and protect adolescent’s reproductive rights, integrate adolescents into national development, improve access to information and services by using evidence-based interventions, and involve adolescents in program planning and evaluation. Policy principles respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, use a multi-sectoral approach, identify and monitor indicators for adolescent health, and coordinate the roles of various stakeholders.
To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platform via @KELINKenya.
For more information please contact,
Edwine Nyanja,
Program Officer- SRHR,
Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV/AIDS (KELIN),
Email: edwinenyanja@kelinkenya.org
