International Youth Day: Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges for Kenyan Youth in the Digital Era

Today, August 12th, the world marks International Youth Day, with the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” In a world increasingly shaped by digital platforms, there is immense potential to leverage these tools to address critical issues such as sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), HIV, teen pregnancies, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and the general well-being of adolescents and young people in Kenya.

Despite advancements in technology, Kenyan adolescents still face significant challenges regarding sexual and reproductive health. Comprehensive sexual education remains inadequate in schools, leaving many young people without the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual health. This gap is especially concerning given that many of these young people are sexually active and need accurate information to protect themselves and their futures.

Access to youth-friendly health services is critically lacking across the country. Many young people, particularly in rural areas, do not have access to confidential health care where they can seek advice or treatment without fear of judgment or stigmatization. The societal stigma associated with seeking sexual health services means that it is rare to see young people, especially adolescents in rural areas, accessing services such as contraception or treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

For those who do manage to access these services, the issue of consent poses another significant barrier. According to Kenya’s National Reproductive Health Policy 2020/2030, a child’s right to healthcare is the responsibility of their parents. This means that teenagers aged 13 to 17 require parental consent to access contraceptives, a requirement that often denies them the necessary protection due to cultural or societal norms, particularly in rural areas.

Safe abortion remains a highly contentious issue in Kenya. While the law permits abortion in certain circumstances, such as when the mother’s life is at risk, in cases of rape, or incest, many young women resort to unsafe backstreet abortions due to a lack of access to affordable and safe healthcare services. In rural areas, traditional methods, often unsafe, are still used, posing significant health risks to young girls.

Sexual and gender-based violence continues to plague Kenyan society, with reports from the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) indicating that 34% of women have experienced SGBV by the age of 15. Furthermore, early marriage remains prevalent, with one in four girls married before adulthood. These teen mothers often face disrupted education, limited life opportunities, and increased health risks for themselves and their babies.

Cultural practices, such as the traditional rite of passage ceremonies among the Bukusu community in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties, exacerbate the risks of teen pregnancies, HIV, and STIs. These events often lead to risky sexual behavior, and in some cases, gender-based violence. However, digital platforms offer a promising avenue to educate and protect these vulnerable young people.

In June 2024, the Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) hosted a scientific conference on Adolescents and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (AYSRHR), providing a platform for young people to voice their concerns. It became evident that young people are indeed sexually active and in urgent need of accessible and affordable sexual education and services.

Nelly Munyasia, Executive Director of RHNK, emphasized the importance of using digital platforms to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services. Initiatives like the toll-free call center Nena na Binti offer young people a confidential and secure space to seek guidance and make informed decisions regarding their sexual health.

As we celebrate this year’s International Youth Day, it is crucial to acknowledge that the future of Kenya depends on the health and empowerment of its youth. We must recommit to addressing the challenges they face by leveraging digital tools and creating an environment where every young person can thrive in health, dignity, and equality. The journey from clicks to progress is one we must embark on together, ensuring a brighter and better future for Kenya’s youth.