On International Youth Day, the spotlight turns to the critical issues affecting young people in Kenya. From teenage pregnancies and inadequate education to the lack of sexual and reproductive health resources and high unemployment rates, these challenges underscore the urgent need for change. Addressing these pressing issues, five dedicated Change Leaders from the Nguvu Collective are stepping up as youth advocates, calling on the Kenyan government to implement reforms that ensure equal opportunities for all.
Teenage pregnancies remain a significant concern in Kenya. According to the Kenya Demographic & Health Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 15 percent of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 were pregnant in 2022, with 12 percent having given birth. Cultural taboos and inadequate sexual and reproductive health education contribute to these statistics, leading to higher dropout rates and increased health risks among young girls.
Tasline Otieno is at the forefront of this issue, advocating for the inclusion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in school curriculums. Otieno’s petition aims to equip young people with age-appropriate information, thereby reducing teenage pregnancies and fostering healthier futures for adolescents.
Education disparities are particularly stark in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). A report by USAWA Agenda highlights that the number of out-of-school children aged 5 to 15 increased from 7.5 percent in 2021 to 8.5 percent in 2023. Rosemary Kyalo is addressing this issue by petitioning the Ministry of Education and regional authorities to collaborate with stakeholders to modernize low-cost boarding schools in these regions. Her initiative seeks to improve access and retention rates, providing marginalized youth with a better educational foundation.
More over the he lack of Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education leaves many children vulnerable to abuse and health issues. Claris Oyunga is tackling this by advocating for the inclusion of SRHR education in junior high school curricula. Oyunga’s petition aims to empower children with knowledge about their rights and health, enabling them to recognize abuse and seek help effectively.
Furthermore Mental health challenges are on the rise among Kenyan youth, exacerbated by economic pressures. Amondi Awour, who has personal experience with mental health issues, is spearheading a petition to the Ministry of Health to increase the mental health budget by 20 percent and establish free mental health programs in schools. Awour’s goal is to ensure that young people receive the necessary support in a non-discriminatory environment.
Additionally unemployment remains a significant issue, particularly for women in STEM fields. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports that women make up only 28 percent of the STEM workforce in 2023. Mercy Mwende, an automotive engineer, is advocating for a 30 percent increase in internship and employment opportunities for women in the automotive field. Mwende’s petition aims to empower women in STEM and address gender discrimination in the workforce.
These five Change Leaders from the Nguvu Collective are making a profound impact by addressing these urgent issues on International Youth Day. Their advocacy not only highlights the challenges faced by Kenya’s youth but also paves the way for meaningful policy changes and improved opportunities for future generations.