Community Youth Project at Eastleigh Health Centre: A Step Forward for Adolescent and Youth Health in Kenya
Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa (NAYA)
By Aoma Keziah,
In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights (AYSRHR) in Kenya, NAYA Kenya has launched a comprehensive community youth project at the Eastleigh Health Centre. This ambitious project underscores NAYA Kenya’s commitment to advocating for reforms and implementing policies that enhance the quality, affordability, and accessibility of AYSRHR information and services.
The project, inaugurated earlier this week, is a collaborative effort designed to address critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health education and services for young people in Eastleigh, a bustling neighborhood in Nairobi known for its vibrant, diverse community. With a significant proportion of the population being adolescents and youth, the need for targeted, accessible health information and services has never been more pressing.
The Eastleigh Health Centre has been transformed into a hub for youth-focused sexual and reproductive health services through this initiative. The project features several key components.
Enhanced Health Services: The Centre now offers specialized reproductive health services tailored to the needs of adolescents and young adults. This includes confidential counseling, contraceptive options, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment.
Educational Workshops: Regular workshops and seminars are conducted to educate young people on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health. Topics include safe sex practices, consent, and managing reproductive health issues. These sessions aim to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and empower youth with accurate information.
Youth Peer Educators: A group of trained peer educators has been mobilized to facilitate discussions and provide support to their peers. These educators, who are themselves from the community, play a crucial role in creating a relatable and supportive environment for their counterparts.
Digital Resources and Helplines: To increase accessibility, the project includes a range of digital resources, including an interactive website and a confidential helpline. These platforms offer information and support to youth who may be unable to visit the health Centre in person.
Advocacy and Policy Dialogue: NAYA Kenya is also using the project as a platform to engage with local and national policymakers. By presenting evidence from the field and gathering feedback from the community, NAYA aims to drive reforms that improve AYSRHR services and policies on a broader scale.
The community’s response to the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. Local residents, particularly the youth, have expressed appreciation for the increased availability of relevant health services and educational resources.
“This project has been a game-changer for us, i now have access to reliable information and support that I didn’t have before. It’s empowering to know that help is available and that we’re being heard.” Said Amina, a 19-year-old student.
Health professionals at the Eastleigh Health Centre have also noted a significant increase in the number of young people seeking services.
“The project has brought a much-needed focus on youth health issues. We’re seeing more young people coming in for consultations and preventive care, which is a positive sign of increased awareness and engagement.” Remarked Lilian Agengo a Community Health Officer in Eastleigh Health Centre.
Looking ahead, NAYA Kenya plans to expand the project to other areas in Nairobi and beyond, leveraging the success of the Eastleigh initiative as a model. The organization is also exploring partnerships with other NGOs and government bodies to scale up their efforts and ensure sustained impact. In addition to expanding reach, they are committed to continually assessing and refining the project based on community feedback and evolving needs. The goal is not just to provide immediate support but to foster long-term improvements in the sexual and reproductive health landscape for Kenya’s youth.
NAYA’s community youth project at Eastleigh Health Centre represents a crucial step towards addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people in Kenya. By combining enhanced services, education, and advocacy, the initiative exemplifies a holistic approach to improving AYSRHR and offers a beacon of hope for similar communities across the country.
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About the Author
The Mt Kenya Times 
