German Parliamentarians supporting the Global Fund visited Machakos as part of their tour in the country to inspect Global Fund supported projects and engage with the beneficiaries.
The team visited the Drop-In Centre being one of the supported projects, housed at the Youth Centre in Machakos County, to inspect Global Fund projects and its effects on youth empowerment on improving their social skills, self-esteem and job prospects to enhance sustainable development.
The Drop-In Centre which is managed by Deaf Empowerment Kenya (DEK) in partnership with the Machakos county, provides a no stigma and discrimination environment, provides youth empowerment programs including counselling, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment services as well as Cervical cancer screening.
Welcoming the delegation, DEK Director, Joseph Ngari, expressed gratitude to the Global Fund and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to accountability and effective use of the resources.
He added that the Drop-in Centre is a safe space for Machakos youths to interact with each other, learn about sexual reproductive health resources, family planning, HIV prevention and develop skills through capacity building sessions to enhance their ability to make informed decisions about their sexual reproductive health.
“Thank you for supporting our project. We commit to putting the funds to good use,” said Mr Ngari.
Additionally, he noted that the centre is also equipped with recreational facilities such as pool tables, chess, scrabble, as well as volleyball and football games to attract more youths to the youth centre and keep them engaged.
Machakos County, Chief Officer for Gender and Social Welfare, Bernadette Wavinya, lauded the Global Fund for its continued support and underscored the need to strengthen partnerships for improved social welfare outcomes and productivity.
“You are welcome in Machakos County to support other projects that will uplift the lives of our people,” Ms. Wavinya said. “We value our partnership with the Global Fund and look forward to working together to make an even greater impact.”
Director for Gender and Social Welfare, Valentine Musyoka, who was also present, highlighted other areas in need of support, including combating gender-based violence (GBV) and advancing inclusion for persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
“There are many other areas that need support, such as funding initiatives to combat gender-based violence, which remains rampant in some parts of the county and we are also keen on programs that empower and uplift people living with disabilities,” said Musyoka.
The visit formed part of the Global Fund’s ongoing monitoring exercise across Kenya, aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and sustainability in the implementation of funded initiatives.
The German Parliamentarians Delegation are major supporters of the Global Fund which is a worldwide partnership aimed at fighting AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria while mobilising substantial funding, providing Policy expertise and strengthening global health security.
By Anne Kangero
