Kenya: Young People Must Shape Their Own SRHR Future, Says Kenyan Activist

Kenyan activist Jerop Limo has urged young people in Africa to take the lead in shaping their own sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) future. While progress has been made by governments and health systems, many adolescents, particularly girls and young women, still face significant obstacles in accessing the information, services, and legal protection they need to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.

Factors such as stigma, confidentiality concerns, and lack of transport can prevent young people from seeking necessary health services when they need them.

Limo emphasizes that progress on SRHR must not be a one-size-fits-all solution. The experiences and needs of young people are influenced by their social, economic, and personal circumstances, and the response to these challenges must be community-centered and tailored to address these diverse realities. She stresses that young people need to be actively involved in designing, implementing, and holding health systems accountable, rather than being mere beneficiaries or subjects of dialogue.

AYARHEP, the organization Limo leads, places young people at the forefront of decision-making and programme design, ensuring that they have a genuine influence over the issues affecting their lives. Peer connections play a crucial role in providing a safe space for young people to share their experiences and access accurate, relevant information, which is often lacking in formal institutions.

However, Limo acknowledges that youth-led organizations cannot achieve their goals alone. They require support from governments, donors, and larger institutions to scale their impact. Misinformation and opposition to SRHR remain significant barriers, underscoring the need for accessible, accurate, and culturally sensitive information to empower young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.