Leaders have called for renewed and coordinated efforts to protect children and adolescents from the “Triple Threat” of HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The First Lady, Rachel Ruto, warned that young people continue to bear the burden of serious encounters they did not create, particularly the challenges of the “Triple Threat.”
The call was made during an advocacy and mentorship engagement forum with adolescents and young people at Mawego Technical Training Institute in Karachuonyo Constituency, where leaders addressed the “triple threat” of early pregnancy, HIV infection, and SGBV while equipping young people with knowledge, mentorship, and support.
The First Lady, who was the Chief Guest, said protecting children requires adults to move beyond warnings and actively listen to and support young people.
She highlighted the risks girls face, including sexual exploitation, abuse, teenage pregnancy, and HIV infection, particularly where financial vulnerability exposes them to exploitation.
Rachel Ruto stressed that children need adults who will listen, assure them that their dreams matter, and help them navigate difficult circumstances.
“Sometimes our children do not need another warning but someone to walk with them,” she said.
The First Lady said the national campaign to end the ‘triple threat’ had expanded beyond Nairobi to Homa Bay, Samburu, West Pokot, and Uasin Gishu counties.
More than 220 health facilities have joined the initiative, while over 200 healthcare providers have been trained to offer adolescent-friendly services. The national target is to end the triple threat by 2027.
She urged parents and guardians to create homes where children can discuss difficult issues without fear of judgment.
“We cannot tell children to speak if we are not prepared to listen. We cannot tell them to seek help if the door they knock on is closed,” she said.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said children are increasingly being forced to assume responsibilities that belong to adults. She noted that some children care for sick parents living with HIV, while others become heads of households after losing their parents.
“When parents are infected and have to go to the hospital and come back, the burden automatically falls on the children. When the parents are lost early, children become heads of households in many homes,” she said.
Wanga said Homa Bay had made progress in reducing teenage pregnancies, adding the county recorded about 14,000 teenage pregnancies annually when her administration took office in 2022, but the figure has since declined to about 7,000. “We have cut it by half. It is still not what we want, but it means there is progress,” she said.
She attributed the decline to interventions by County and National governments, communities, and other stakeholders.
The Governor also highlighted mentorship programmes such as the Governor’s Mentorship Camp, which brings professionals and community leaders together to mentor girls and address challenges affecting them.
“A mentored girl is empowered. A mentored child is strong. They are focused. They know where they are going,” Wanga said.
The event brought together government officials, elected leaders, county officials, faith and community leaders, healthcare workers, partners, and learners.
Dr. Andrew Mulwa, Head of the National HIV and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), said Kenya had made significant progress in HIV testing and treatment but continued to face challenges from new infections among young people.
He said about 1.4 million people are living with HIV in Kenya, with approximately 1.35 million receiving antiretroviral treatment. About 93 per cent of people know their HIV status, 91 per cent of those living with HIV are on treatment, and 87 per cent have achieved viral suppression.
National Syndemic Disease Control Council CEO Douglas Bosire said new HIV infections had fallen from about 94,000 in 2005 to 13,936 in 2025, alongside a significant decline in HIV-related deaths.
However, he warned that young people continue to account for a substantial share of new infections. Adolescents and young people aged 15–24 accounted for 41 per cent of new infections among people aged 15 and above, while those aged 15–34 accounted for 72 per cent.
Bosire also said about 646 girls aged 10–19 were attending antenatal care clinics every day in Kenya in 2025, underscoring the need for urgent action to protect young girls.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said the Ministry of Health would continue working with national and county governments to strengthen health services for women and children.
He noted that Homa Bay had improved skilled birth attendance to about 91 per cent, compared with a national figure of approximately 89 per cent.
The leaders agreed that while Kenya has made progress in reducing HIV infections and teenage pregnancies, sustained community action, mentorship, access to adolescent-friendly services, and stronger protection systems are essential to safeguard children and help them achieve their potential.
By Sitna Omar
