Adolescence is a critical stage of development that extends beyond the need for food and shelter. It is a time of profound physical, emotional, and social change. A comprehensive approach to adolescent health must encompass access to quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and mental health support. These needs are universal, and each age set has specific requirements. As Kenya strives towards Vision 2030, a key commitment is to meet the SRHR needs of young people. However, with less than five years to go, significant gaps remain, putting the health and future of our youth at risk.

While necessities like food and shelter are essential, the holistic well-being of adolescents includes their sexual and reproductive health and mental health. This includes a comprehensive sexuality education that is age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and accessible, Services that are confidential, non-judgmental, and tailored to the unique needs of adolescents, and access to mental health services and support systems to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

The Current State of SRHR for Adolescents in Kenya

Despite numerous commitments, adolescents in Kenya still face substantial barriers in accessing SRHR services. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, adolescent pregnancy rates remain high, with one in five girls aged 15-19 having begun childbearing. Additionally, access to contraceptives and reproductive health information is limited, particularly for marginalized groups.

Consider the story of ‘’Mary’’ a 16-year-old girl from a rural village in Kenya whom I interacted with recently. Mary dreams of becoming a nurse, but her dreams are threatened by the realities she faces. Without access to accurate SRH information, Mary became pregnant at 15. She had no one to turn to for reliable advice, and the judgmental attitude of the local health workers made her hesitant to seek help. Mary’s story is not unique; it reflects the struggles of many young people in Kenya.

Government Commitments and the Reality

Kenya has made various commitments to improve adolescent health, including:

• The Maputo Protocol: Emphasizes the right to health, including sexual and reproductive health.
• The East African Community (EAC) SRHR Bill: Aims to harmonize SRHR policies across the region.
• Vision 2030: Envisions a Kenya that has met the SRHR needs of its young population.

Despite these commitments, implementation has been inconsistent, and many adolescents still face unmet SRHR needs. This gap can be attributed to several factors, including insufficient funding, lack of political will, and societal stigma. The consequences of unmet SRHR needs are profound and far-reaching: Leading to higher school dropout rates and perpetuating cycles of poverty, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Including HIV, which remains a significant concern among adolescents, Mental Health Issues unaddressed SRHR needs to contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among others.

Addressing these issues requires accurate information and comprehensive sexuality education to empower young people to make informed decisions about their health. However, embarrassment and the cultural taboo surrounding discussions about sexuality often prevent open conversations between adults and adolescents. To address this issue, there is a need for:

1. Parental and Teacher Engagement: Parents and teachers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to discuss SRH matters openly and supportively with young people.
2. Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Schools should implement comprehensive sexuality education programs that are age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and accessible to all students.
3. Innovative Interventions: Leveraging technology and social media can help disseminate accurate SRH information to young people in an engaging and accessible manner.

Youth Alive! Kenya remains committed to ensuring adolescents can access quality SRHR services through championing government investment in adolescent health specifically SRHR and mental health, advocating for Increased funding for young people’s needs, ensuring that international and regional commitments are translated into actionable programs, and services and involving young people in decision-making processes to ensure their needs and voices are heard and addressed.

As Kenya approaches Vision 2030, it is imperative to reflect on the unmet SRHR needs of adolescents and take decisive action. Ensuring that all young people have access to quality SRHR and mental health support is not just a commitment but a necessity for the nation’s future. By prioritizing adolescent health, implementing commitments, and fostering inclusivity, Kenya can create a healthier, more equitable future for its youth.