2Nov, 2023
    Where Does Consent Start or End?
    Participant during Coffee Bar Tuesday. Photo: Julius Rasat

    Consent is a fundamental aspect of any sexual encounter, regardless of the circumstances. This week’s Coffee Bar Tuesday discussion was prompted by a distressing incident involving a woman who was sexually assaulted while unconscious, likely due to excessive alcohol consumption. The identity of the perpetrator and their motivations remain unclear. When engaging in sexual activity, communication is the cornerstone of consent and it should be a part of every encounter, irrespective of the specific activity involved. It’s crucial to understand that consenting to one particular activity or on one occasion does not imply consent for other activities or future encounters.

    During our discussion, the conversation was guided by three key questions posed by the moderator:

    1. Is being drunk a sign that someone is ready to engage in sexual activity?

    2. What should you do if someone passes out during a sexual encounter after previously agreeing to it?

    3. What would be your response if someone asks you to stop during sex?

    The responses to these questions were varied and highlighted the need for greater awareness and protection against sexual abuse. Out of the 22 participants, 8 believed that if someone promises sex, they should follow through, even if they become incapacitated, while 10 believed that if someone passes out after agreeing to sex, you should respect their condition and not proceed. One participant shared that, regardless of the relationship’s nature, no one should be coerced into having sex against their will or when they are not in the mood. Consent is an ongoing process that involves open communication about boundaries and comfort levels.

    The discussion also focused into the topic of someone requesting that sexual activity be stopped, which revealed a concerning level of misunderstanding and normalization of rape within our communities. Some participants believed that once sex has started, no one should request it to stop. This assertion was met with strong reactions, with many acknowledging the need for better education on consent and the importance of respecting boundaries.

    “Why would someone tell you to stop during sex, this should have happened before the sex started. Also, why is the person not thinking about the person’s feelings. ” A participant shared

    The conversation then shifted towards understanding the legal definition of rape. According to the Sexual Offences Act of 2006, rape occurs when someone intentionally and unlawfully penetrates another person’s genital organs without their consent or consent was not given freely but obtained through force, threats, or intimidation. The law prescribes severe penalties for those found guilty of this crime. The moderator emphasized that consent cannot be given by underage, intoxicated, drugged, asleep, or unconscious. Furthermore, consent obtained under pressure, intimidation, or threat is not considered valid consent.  

    In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the importance of being able to withdraw consent at any point if one feels uncomfortable, and anything beyond that withdrawal should be considered rape or sexual assault. It’s essential to remember that agreeing to one activity or having engaged in it in the past does not grant permission for other activities or future encounters. Establishing clear boundaries and expectations with your partner before engaging in any sexual activity is crucial. We also reminded the participants that a no mean no and doesn’t mean yes or maybe. See you Tuesday

    20Jul, 2023
    What Is Your Take On The Ongoing Maandamano?
    Participants during Coffee Bar Session. Photo: Julius Rasat

    Nationwide protests have erupted across different parts of the country, with a significant involvement of young people at the forefront of the demonstrations. The ongoing protests have been predominantly led by the Azimio La Umoja coalition, leader Raila Odinga, who is urging the Kenya Kwanza government to address various demands, including a reduction in the cost of living.

    The right to protest is protected under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees the rights of every person to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities in a peaceful and unarmed manner. The 1950 Public Order Act, as amended, further governs public assembly in Kenya, requiring individuals intending to organize a public assembly to give the police notice between three and fourteen days in advance.

    This week’s #CoffeeBarTuesday focused on the ongoing anti government protests. During the discussion on the ongoing protests, participants were asked why they would attend the demonstrations. Out of 42 attendees, only 6 confirmed they would be participating, 4 were undecided, while the rest cited various reasons for not attending. Some reasons given by those supporting the protests included the burden of high living costs, overwhelming taxes, the call from Raila Odinga to join, proximity to the protest location, a desire for the president to hear their concerns, demands for President William Ruto to step down, and the unfulfilled promise of affordable unga to Ksh 100.

    On the other hand, those who were undecided about attending expressed that their participation would depend on factors such as security and the overall situation during the protests. Those who decided not to attend cited reasons such as a lack of peaceful protests in Kenya, work commitments, nothing will change even if we demonstrate day in day out, belief that the demonstrations are politically driven rather than people-driven, personal losses experienced due to past protests and concerns about personal safety.

    “…I am protesting to call the government to lower cost of living and also reduce the price of unga. Whatever I am doing right now might not bear fruits right but they eventually” participant said

    During the discussion, one participant highlighted that protests often involve four types of people: those genuinely advocating for the cause, those attending for entertainment or fun, those present due to peer pressure, and individuals with malicious intentions to vandalize and steal. Recent protests have seen a mix of peaceful participants, those having fun, and others engaging in property destruction.

    The issue of safety during protests was also a prominent topic of discussion. Many participants pointed out that confrontation often arise between the police and protesters, with provocations leading to reactions from both sides, including teargas or stone-throwing. The Ministry of Interior and Coordination reported the arrest of 300 people during the protests, and the number of fatalities remained unknown.

    A psychologist present during the discussion emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal safety in all aspects, including physical, emotional, and mental well-being during protests. She highlighted the potential risks involved in protesting and the need to ensure one’s safety, as there may be others with different intentions amidst the demonstrations.

    …I am already counseling kids who lost their father during protests, losing someone is so traumatizing. As you join the protests, make sure you are safe both mentally and physically” Psychologist said

    As an organization, the message conveyed is that we believe in the rule of law and understanding the reasons behind young people joining the protests. We acknowledged the diverse motives for joining the protests and emphasized the importance of protesting peacefully without resorting to violence. The key takeaway was that one should prioritize their safety and well-being during protests and refrain from engaging in activities that may jeopardize their lives.

    In conclusion, we as an organization encourage peaceful protests while ensuring safety, and reminded everyone to be cautious and protect themselves during the demonstrations. See you on Tuesday!

    19Jul, 2023
    Role Of MCA – Representation

    Maintaining Close Contact With The People Living in His/her Ward

    The role of the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) or Ward Representatives in Kenya is undoubtedly vital and irreplaceable. They play a crucial part in the functioning and sustainability of county governments. However, it is essential to assess whether the communities and the people who elected them truly understand their roles and responsibilities. In this context, one of the key responsibilities of MCAs is Representation.

    It is important to reflect on when was the last time your MCA called for public participation to discuss issues that should be presented at the county assembly? When did they last address matters that directly impact the residents of their ward? When was the last time you saw your MCA? Representation requires MCAs to maintain close contact with the people in their ward, consulting them on relevant issues to be raised in the county assembly. By actively engaging with their constituents, MCAs can better understand and address the needs of the electorate.

    This role is crucial because it allows the MCA to identify and propose solutions to pressing matters such as improving feeder roads or providing bursaries to deserving students. Unfortunately, we have observed that many MCAs, once elected, they tend to relocate and become disconnected from the electorates. However, the act of relocating should not hinder the relationship between the leader and the people of the ward. It is imperative for MCAs to maintain close contact and actively engage with their constituents throughout their term, rather than disappearing and only reappearing when seeking re-election five years later.

    MCAs should make it a priority to inform their electorate about the various issues being discussed within the Assembly. Furthermore, they should actively seek input and consult with their constituents to gauge their opinions and perspectives. This consultation process should be used as a guide when voting on these issues, ensuring that the views of the people they represent are taken into account. By striving for transparency and inclusive decision-making, MCAs can effectively fulfill their role as representatives of the people.

    Through Sauti Mtaani Project, we are enlightening the community on different roles of duty bearers. Its nly through understanding their roles and responsibilities that we shall be able to ahold them accountable and ask relevant questions. The project seeks to empower community members to actively engage with their elected leaders, increase their knowledge of social accountability, and utilize art and media to address community issues effectively. Jua leader wako!

    22Jun, 2023
    How Can Self Presentation Affect Your Life?
    Participants during Coffee Bar Session. Photo: Evans Jomo

    Did you know that people judge or perceive you based on how you present yourself? Self-presentation, the intentional process of portraying oneself to others, is a fundamental aspect of human interaction. From the way we dress to the words we choose, our self-presentation sends signals to the world about who we are and what we value. But beyond mere appearances, self-presentation plays a profound role in shaping our lives and influencing the way others perceive and treat us. In this week’s session, we explored the intricate relationship between self-presentation and its profound impact on personal growth and well-being.

    Our discussion focused on understanding how participants perceive each other. To begin the discussion, we selected a few individuals who felt comfortable receiving feedback regarding how others viewed them. There was a diverse range of views expressed about how the rest of the team is perceived by the participants. Based on the results of this exercise, it was apparent that the majority of views shared were unknown to the participants. Self presentation can affect your life both positively and negatively.

    Self-presentation encompasses various dimensions that collectively construct an individual’s public image. These dimensions include physical appearance, verbal and non-verbal communication, behavior, social media presence, personal branding among others. Each aspect influences how others perceive and evaluate us, shaping both initial impressions and long-term perceptions.

    First impressions are often formed rapidly, and they can have a lasting impact on our interactions and relationships. People tend to attribute positive qualities to individuals they find physically attractive or well put-together. While this bias may seem unfair, understanding its existence empowers individuals to leverage their self-presentation to create a favorable initial impression, which can open doors and opportunities. One participant said that how he dresses is usually influenced by occasions he’s attending.

    . “…I don’t dress like a ghetto when I go to big events where I know I will meet people who are important and can have a positive impact in my life,” he said.

    Self-presentation goes beyond physical appearance. It extends into our demeanor, body language, and communication skills. When individuals project confidence through their self-presentation, it can lead to an enhanced perception of their competence. This confidence/competence loop can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, as individuals who are perceived as competent are more likely to be given opportunities and responsibilities that further develop their skills and expertise.

    “.. I was called after a job interview not because I was the most dressed up but simply for my confidence during the interview.” one participant said.

    While projecting a positive self-image is important, authenticity remains a crucial factor. Attempting to present an exaggerated or false version of oneself can lead to negative consequences, such as strained relationships, emotional distress, and a loss of personal identity. Striking a balance between self-improvement and embracing one’s genuine self allows for a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to self-presentation.

    The way others perceive and react to our self-presentation can significantly impact our self-esteem and self-worth. In today’s digitally connected world, social media platforms often become a stage for self-presentation. The pursuit of external validation through likes, comments, and followers can become a double-edged sword. It is important to cultivate a healthy sense of self-worth based on internal values and achievements, rather than relying solely on external validation.

    Self-presentation affects not only how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves. When individuals actively engage in shaping their self-presentation to align with their aspirations and goals, it can foster personal growth and development. By consciously projecting qualities and behaviors that reflect their desired identity, individuals can build self-confidence, strengthen relationships, and attract opportunities that support their personal and professional advancement.

    Self-presentation is a powerful tool that influences our lives on multiple levels. By understanding the impact of self-presentation and adopting an intentional approach, individuals can enhance their personal growth and well-being. Balancing authenticity and self-improvement, leveraging first impressions, and nurturing internal self-worth all contribute to a holistic self-presentation strategy. Ultimately, self-presentation becomes a catalyst for personal growth, empowering individuals to shape their own narratives and create a positive impact on the world around them. See you on Tuesday!

    26Apr, 2023
    Teenage Pregnancies = Silent Pandemic?
    Participant during Coffee Bar Tuesday. Photo: Evans jomo

    According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), teenage pregnancies in Kenya have dropped to 15 percent from 18 percent. This implies that about 2 in every 5 teenage girls between the ages of 15-19 years have either had a live birth or are pregnant with their first child.

    This week’s discussion focused on getting to understand what contributes to the high number of teenage pregnancies. With low representation from ladies, it was also a good opportunity for the young men to share what they think contributes to this, their roles and what we can do to address this silent pandemic. This is one of the most engaging topics that we have conducted that touches on something that affects the majority of young girls not only in Mukuru but the whole of Kenya.

    With the question of the day being what contributes to these worrying and trending numbers – participants shared some very valid and shocking points on this silent pandemic. Without us understanding the root causes, it shall be hard for different stakeholders to address this and its effects. As a result of different family situations, young poor semi-educated girls have become premature mothers, at the cost of their education and development.

    Some of the contributing factors highlighted during the discussion were lack of sexual and reproductive health rights education, lack of good rapport between the teens and their parents, poverty, harmful cultural practices, unavailability and availability of contraceptives, baby fever, peer pressure, adults taking advantage of the teens situation, drug and substance abuse, lack of parental guidance in sexual matters and others feeling that the girls are more informed than the boys creating a disparity.

    With Mukuru being a case study, poverty and baby fever were pointed out as the main contributors of teenage pregnancies within the informal settlements. The inability of some parents to provide for their children results in teenage girls sleeping with men to buy food and other necessities for their parents. Another contributor is young women choosing to become mothers at an early age which is nowadays referred to as baby fever– this is a situation where a girl wants a child because someone else has a child – within Mukuru and other places and has been a contributor for a while. 

    Many studies have stated that teen mothers are less likely to complete high school and they are also much more likely to not complete college. This puts them at a disadvantage when it comes time to find a good paying job translating to the cycle of poverty. Not many of the teen mothers get a chance to live with the fathers of their children leaving the majority of them out there suffering. These children appear from nowhere; the teens are being impregnated by men out there. We cannot call for change if we are not ready to change. Men also have a role to play in addressing this since they are the perpetrators of these teen pregnancies. 

    During the conversation, sex for water was also a point of reference where women were being exploited sexually for them to get the basic commodity. This is also happening to our girls, where they are being lured into having unprotected sex in order for them to get sanitary towels among other necessities.

    There are many ways in which we can curb this menace but the majority of them touch on us playing our different roles accordingly. Being a role model to children and girls around you was one of the ways highlighted during the discussion. 

    ‘You cannot be a drunkard and expect your children to be different from you. You cannot be doing unspeakable things and wait for different results. We must be good role models to our children and build a rapport with our children.” Participant said

    For us to curb this silent pandemic and make adolescent girls become responsible adults in the future, it will require all of us to put our efforts from every angle. We are calling for different partners, non-governmental organizations and governments to effectively scale up public sensitization on teenage pregnancies to reduce the consequences.  In agreement, we must be our brothers keepers: you cannot be a bystander of someone having sexual relations with a minor. You must report that pedophile. 

    One participant said “spoil your sister for her not to be spoiled by another man” meaning you should create opportunities for your sister in order to prevent her from seeking somewhere else. In this case, your sister is any girl who is around you, it doesn’t have to be your biological sister.  Join us in the next discussion as we discuss the effects of teen pregnancy and its effects on the teens mother, the child, the family, workforce and the economy. See you on Tuesday!

    9Mar, 2023
    What’s The Difference Between PEP and PrEP?
    Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday. Photo Courtesy: Julius Rasat

    Do you think you are at risk of contracting HIV? This question was the topic of the discussion with the majority of the participants stating that they are not at risk of being infected. The #CoffeeBarSession hosted young people from Mukuru with PEP and PrEP being at the center of the discussion.  

    How many times have you heard of a condom bursting? How many times have you had sexual intercourse with multiple partners? How many times have you heard of rape cases? Does that put you at risk? 

    PEP and PrEP discussion came at a better time when young people are not aware of how they work and the difference. Out of 27 participants, 25 have never heard of these types of medicines. This is a clear indication that there’s less information and this is also a contributing factor on the rise of HIV infections among young people. 

    We dwelled in understanding the difference between the two drugs and also who is at risk of getting HIV with a lot of people getting confused and shocked that there are actually medicines that can prevent HIV. 7 people have heard of PEP since its usually given after someone has been exposed through sexual assault such as rape. The difference between Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one is taken before exposure while the other is taken after you have been exposed.

    How is it possible that we have a drug that protect us and the drug is not known to many, do they want us to get infected or what is their own motive.

    Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is antiretroviral medicine taken by HIV negative individuals to prevent getting HIV. If you don’t have HIV but have a high risk of contracting the virus, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be an option for you. Taking this medication once a day can greatly reduce your chances of developing HIV.

    PrEP is for you if have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months, you have a sexual partner who is HIV positive, you have not consistently used a condom or have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months. This type of medicine is meant for people who don’t live with HIV but have higher chances of developing the condition.

    PEP better known as post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your bodyThe medicine must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV, or it won’t work. The drug is usually taken on emergency cases and is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently.

    A lady participant pointed out that with the help of organization within Mukuru and beyond have in the frontline of sensitizing women and girls on PrEP and PEP leaving men and boys out the conversation. It was also noted that condom is the most used way of protecting yourself from being infected. However, majority were not aware that as soon as the condom bursts, you are also at risk of being infected.

    Different reports indicate that people below 29 years are at higher risk of contracting the virus. Kenya may not achieve its quest to combat HIV/Aids if the current wave of new infections among adolescents and the youth is not contained and addressed. The first step is making sure that New HIV infections are contained by is by making sure information such as PrEP and PEP is not known out there. There’s need to have a vigorous campaign on PEP and PrEP. Young girls are being sexually violated and are not aware of any medication that would protect them from HIV.

    We are all at risk of getting HIV, especially young people. Looking at the rate of teenage pregnancies and infections, we all need to take PrEP. Remember prevention is better than cure. In case you hear someone has been raped or a condom bursts, visit the office immediately.

    As an organization, we continue to create safe spaces where young people can unlearn and learn. We believe in community that is well empowered and understands how the world its changing. Kindly note that the information shared here is not from a doctor. You need to visit the hospital for information and guidance. See you on Tuesday!

    1Dec, 2022
    The Role Of Young People In Ending SGBV
    Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday. Photo: Julius Rasat

    Sexual and gender-based violence remain a major challenge that the world is facing today. Sexual offences have adverse effects that derails social and economic development of an individual and that of a country. A report indicates that as a country we use close to 46 billion Kenyan shillings annually in addressing SGBV. With these figures, it surely shows that there is a high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in Kenya.

    With the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, our #CoffeeBarTuesday discussion focused on what we can do as young people in prevention, response and documentation of cases of sexual and gender-based violence – more so on prevention. With young people also being part of the conversation will help in decreasing cases that usually involve their peers.

    The conversation touched on what the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence stands for and its main objective which is to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until 10 December which is a Human Rights Day.

    It’s good to note that the majority of young people are not even aware of this commemoration and some think it’s a women thing – shows where to concentrate. It also shows there’s a lot that needs to be done in creating awareness amongst the young people. With better understanding of sexual and gender-based violence, its types and forms, it was easy to have a candid conversation on our roles as young people. Sexual violence can affect you mentally, emotionally, physically and psychologically.

    Majority of young people believe that sexual and gender-based violence is mainly for the old generation and that’s why they keep off or rarely engaged on SGBV conversations.

    “I can’t be raped by someone I call my wife or girlfriend, where does she even start? Furthermore, I can’t rape her since she’s mine, its my conjugal rights.” Participant said

    Out of 10 young men, only 2 believe that they can be raped by their partner. The other 8 believe that there’s no way someone you have been married to can rape you since its their conjugal right. This clearly shows why intimate partner violence is underreported and there’s a need for communities to understand consent is crucial whether you’re in a relationship or not.

    One thing that stood out during the conversations is young people understanding that having sex with an underage is an offence that is punishable by law. Majority were not aware that having sex with a 17-year-old whether she consented or not is also considered as an offence. We shared that under the Sexual offences Act, having sex with anyone below the age of 18 is a crime.

    With our set up, we dwelled more on sexual and gender-based violence forms such as rape, defilement, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, incest and female genital mutilation/cutting. An active bystander action is something that young people don’t involve themselves with. We emphasized on being an active bystander where you should be able to raise an alarm in case you witness someone being violated. That one action will be able to save that person who was about to be violated.

    The issue of consent is something that also created a wide discussion with questions such as should I ask for consent from my wife or girlfriend? Why should I be arrested for having a relationship with a 16-year-old and they consented to it? Should we be arrested for having sexual relationship if we are cousins and we are all adults and consented? It was made clear that the law states that lack of consent qualifies one to have raped the other since there was no agreement. The Sexual Offences Act also defines incest as an act which causes penetration with a person who is to their knowledge, a relative.

    “Why should I be arrested for having sex with a minor and what happens if she actually came to me? Nowadays its hard to know if someone is of age by looking at their body, people are having a good diet out here.” Participant said

    At the end we all agreed that we have a role to play in ending sexual and gender-based violence. Some of key roles that we can play in ending sexual and gender based violence were :- continue creating more awareness on sexual violence among young people, not to be perpetrators, pushing the justice system to be accountable and follow the rule of law, engaging both women and men in these matters, raising your voice when someone is being violated such as someone having a relationship with a minor, not to a bystander of intimate partner violence and to always be careful since everyone is a potential perpetrator as well as a survivor. See you on Tuesday!

    17Nov, 2022
    Why You Should Attend the CIDP Forum?
    Participants during the Coffee Bar Session. Photo: Philip Papa

    With the coming County Integrated Development Plan public participation forum meant to happen on 18th November 2022 at the Mukuru Health Centre in Imara Daima, our Coffee Bar Tuesday focused on how we can package ourselves together with like minded people and have a 1 voice that shall propose projects to the county to be implement within our wards and constituency. 

    The County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) is a plan prepared by counties to guide development over a five-year period.The CIDP contains information on development priorities that inform the annual budget process for 5 years. The formulation of the CIDP is usually the first major task of a new county administration.

    With participants coming from Kwa Reuben, Viwandani, Kwa Njenga and Kware wards, we got to share some of the challenges that should be addressed by the 2023-2027 County Integrated Development Plan. Through the discussion, we got to understand that the majority of the challenges we face cut almost across in all areas represented during the discussions. Some of the proposed projects raised during the discussion were street lights installation, inadequate drainage system, youth resource centre, creation of ECDE and TVETs, secure land tenure, markets, 24 hour running water, more personnel and medication in our hospitals, access roads, empowerment on groups that are working on environment sector, more empowerment on urban farming, relocation of ward admin office among others. 

    Public Participation forum dates. Photo: Nairobi County

    We also shared some of the legal frameworks such as Constitution Of Kenya, County Governments Act 2012, Public Finance Management Act 2012 and Nairobi County Public Participation Act 2016 that promote and support the realization of public participation and communities being at the center of decision making. Article 1 of the constitution states that the power belongs to the people meaning, we the people have all the mandate to choose, propose and give priorities on what we feel would change our lives positively. Sections 87 to 92 and 115 of the County Governments Act, 2012 outline the principles of public participation.

    We also emphasized that all these projects will not be implemented by us saying at the discussion. We must turn out in numbers and propose them during the formulation of the CIDP that shall be held on 19th November 2022. It’s only through public participation, communities are able to share their proposals on some of the projects that should be implemented in the communities. Through this, they are able to scrutinize every project and give their priorities. At no point should we have projects being imposed onto us. Keeping that in mind, if they are existing projects that need to be completed then they should be on the list of our priorities.

    “Pia sisi kama communities lazima tukam pamoja and tuseme zile vitu zinatuaffect collectively unlike proposing vitu zinaaffect few of us. Pia lazima tukeep the government on toes in order to implement them.” Participants said

    As communities, we must understand that public participation is a process and doesn’t end with you only proposing. There should be a series of follow ups from both parties especially from the community. This helps in tracking progress of the projects. As we all wake up on the 19th, we must keep in mind that the change we need has to be proposed during this formulation stage. Let’s propose first and wait for the next process which shall inform the implementation of the projects. As young people from Embakasi South, we shall be dropping memoranda on some of the projects that should be included in the CIDP for the betterment of our communities. Young people have always and will always be the change makers. 

    We are also calling young people from other counties to make sure they are part of the process. As young people, we have to show that we have improved and bring forgotten young people’s voices to the table. See you on Friday 19th at the Mukuru Health Center hall. 

    2Nov, 2022
    Teen Pregnancy – What’s The Solution?
    Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday. Photo: Julius Rasat

    Narok County Ministry of Education reported that 741 school going children were impregnated and out of that number 409 were below 18 years. It’s good to note that the data shared is only for the girls who have attended different health facilities and there could be many other pregnant girls who are not counted because they have not been to the health centers.  Mukuru hasn’t been left out or spared by this teenage pregnancy pandemic. There’s no data indicating the number of teenage pregnancies for Mukuru but we can tell that we have young mothers around. This week’s #CofffeeBarTuesday focused on some of the contributing factors that could lead young girls to be pregnant and get solutions on how we can continue protecting young girls.

    Some studies indicate that 1 in every 5 teenage girls between the ages of 15-19 years has already given birth or pregnant with their first child. Kenya’s Ministry of Health reported 45,724 pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 19 in January and February 2022. This is worrying and needs a lot of attention from the government, stakeholders, communities and parents. Teenage pregnancies are a major challenge for socioeconomic development.

    Through the discussion poverty, lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services, peer pressure from the family and friends, early sex initiation, sexual violence such as defilement/rape, harmful cultural practices such as child marriage, lack of goodwill from the government in prosecuting perpetrators, social media, technology- having too much accessibility to internet, drug abuse and substance abuse, societal pressure and recent demolitions in Mukuru Kwa Njenga were some of the contributing factors to the rise of teen pregnancies in Mukuru. In addition, lack of empowerment among young boys was cited as a reason why the numbers are rising.

    A pregnant school going pupil. Photo: Kwaela News Network

      “Young boys are not well informed on how to handle an empowered girl. It may happen that a girl visits her boyfriend and he does not understand how they can have safe sex. The girl will just accept whatever the boy decides, putting all of them at risk.” Participant said

    Participants pointed out there are a lot of barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. Some of the barriers are that Embakasi South doesn’t have any youth friendly center where young people can seek SRH services, the already existing private ones are not conducive to seek services and there’s less information about what kind of information someone can inquire from those centers.

    In September 2021, part of Mukuru Kwa Njenga was demolished leaving residents homeless and not able to access basic services such as education, water, housing among others. Majority of private schools were demolished leaving thousands of pupils not attending school.  With only 2 public schools, this couldn’t accommodate the majority of the girls and this led to many girls getting pregnant, dropping out, getting married and others using drugs.

    With us understanding the problem, it’s easy to know how to get a solution. One of the solution raised by the participant was for the government to enforce its well outlined policies and laws addressing child marriage, defilement and access to highest attainable health. The government needs to work hand in hand with communities in prosecuting anyone having sex with children. For a relationship to work, there must be a boy translating to boys also needs to be empowered and with both genders empowered, it will be easy to curb teen pregnancies. As parents, you need to be watchful of what your children are searching online and who they talk or engage with.  Sex education continues to be resisted by parents, religious leaders, political leaders and other stakeholders despite data showing that young people are engaging in sex earlier than in the past.  Parents also need to be close to their children in order to share some of the changes our girls experience puberty.

    For us to end teen pregnancies, it is essential that we confront the hard truths of the issue in an honest and open manner. It should be noted that teen pregnancies hinder our girls from maximizing their full potential, which impacts their socioeconomic development as they are unable to further their education or achieve their career goals. However, some do come back strong and achieve everything they ever wanted. We all have a role to play in ending teen pregnancies. A key component of the solution is making sure that those who commit teenage pregnancies face the full force of the law. Also, we must ensure that all pregnant girls go back to school as soon as possible. See you on Tuesday!

    26Oct, 2022
    Youth Opportunities? Where Are They?
    Participants during the discussions: Photo: Julius Rasat

    Are youth opportunities there and how visible and accessible is the information on these opportunities? This week’s #CoffeebarTuesday is a continuation of last week’s discussion on understanding some of the youth opportunities that are there and the ones that are yet to be implemented by both the county and national government. We have collected some of the opportunities that young people can access. However, some if these opportunities are not always receiving applications, you should be on the look out in case they ask for applications.

    Youth Enterprise Development Fund

    The Fund seeks to create employment opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship and encouraging them to be job creators and not job seekers. It does this by providing easy and affordable financial and business development support services to youth who are keen on starting or expanding businesses. For more info http://www.youthfund.go.ke/

    Women Enterprise Fund

    The fund will continue to provide Kenyan women with access to alternative financial services. It is expected that the loans women will access as a result of the establishment of the fund will have a positive impact on family welfare. In addition, it will increase the estimated earned incomes (purchasing power parity). By using a group approach, it is envisioned that the fund will serve to strengthen women’s voices and bargaining power within the home as well as the wider community. To access the fund, you must fill an application form from you sub county office.

    Uwezo Fund

    Uwezo Fund is a flagship programme for vision 2030 aimed at enabling women, youth and persons with disabilities access finances to promote businesses and enterprises at the constituency level. The Fund is highly devolved and adopted the concept of bottom-up approach with decision making done at the grassroots level. To access the fund, you must fill an application form from you sub county office.  For more info https://www.uwezo.go.ke/

    Access To Government Procurement Opportunities

    The aim of the AGPO Program is to facilitate the youth, women and persons with disabilities owned enterprises to be able to participate in government procurement. The procurement Act  states that any procuring entity shall allocate at least thirty percent of its procurement spend for the purposes of procuring goods, works and services from micro and small enterprises owned by youth, women and PWD. https://agpo.go.ke/pages/agpo-registration-requirements

    Ajira Digital

    aims to introduce Kenyans to digitally-enabled jobs and provide the tools, training and mentorship needed to earn an income from digital work. is a Government initiative driven by the Ministry of ICT to empower over one million young people to access digital job opportunities. The program seeks to position Kenya as a labour destination for multinational companies as well as encourage local companies and the public sector to create digital work. https://ajiradigital.go.ke/#/index

    Green Card

    Having a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (PDF, 6.86 MB) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The steps you must take to apply for a Green Card will vary depending on your individual situation. Once you find the category that may fit your situation, click on the link provided to get information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply with you. To apply click here https://dvprogram.state.gov/

    Photo: CHRIPS

    Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities

    Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) is a transformational project that aims to empower and uplift the wellbeing of the youth in Kenya by equipping them with essential training, internship, and business grant opportunities. Create your own business! Get support for your business with a 40,000 business grant or coaching on running a business and Get trained in one of our trade areas, do an internship in a company or an apprenticeship with a Master Craftsman. This is usually works with cycles and is not always opened for application. https://kyeop.go.ke/

    MbeleNaBiz

    The MbeleNaBiz Business Plan Competition aims to expand new and existing youth-led enterprises by providing them with grant funding. The Government of Kenya recognizes the need for job creation to address the challenge of youth unemployment in Kenya. By investing in young entrepreneurs whose ventures will generate employment opportunities and earnings for unemployed youth, MbeleNaBiz will contribute to the development of an inclusive economy that provides opportunities for as many Kenyans as possible. https://www.mbelenabiz.go.ke/about-us.php

    Future Bora Initiative

    Future Bora Initiative is unique from the other KYEOP products in that it does not target the intended beneficiaries directly, but seeks to benefit them through intermediaries (organizations that give specific focus to the hard to serve groups to better their livelihoods). The initiative will therefore identify high-potential interventions and fund them to scale. https://www.futurebora.go.ke/  

    Ndoto Nzetu

    The initiative focuses on partnering with Kenyans to implement health, education and economic empowerment projects. aims to support Kenyans who are keen to make an impact in their communities through social investments. Through the initiative, we ask Kenyans to share their dreams and aspirations that they hope to achieve in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. Each dream we help fulfill translates to thousands of lives being uplifted and transformed.  Ndoto Nzetu is going to partner with you to bring dreams to life. https://www.safaricomfoundation.org/ndotozetu/

    Tenders

    Tenders is also another opportunity that young people can tap into which is usually left for the elites and old people. Majority of local schools do advertise calling in for tenders but majority of young people don’t apply due to lack of information and others citing not having enough money. There are young entrepreneurs who are making a mark in the business world through entrepreneur.  Its upon young people to also get share of the cake by making sure they have necessary documents and applying for the opportunities.

    Local Organization

    Through partnerships, young people can be able to access opportunities that are there set by development partners/organizations. Majority of these opportunities don’t get to young people because they are open to the public domain or there’s no godfather somewhere. Young people should also be on the lookout and aligning themselves with organizations that work in the same field.

    Hustler Fund

    The Hustler Fund is emerging as the most popular affirmative action fund from the government. The fund is set to be operational in December and will see the government set aside Sh50 billion to provide cheaper credit for micro and small businesses. The word going around is that they fund is not free money and for you to access it, there must be a track record of your savings. We save first to get the funds.

    Film Fund

    The Film Fund is expected to support the creative industry under a plan to add value to Kenya’s exports such as fashion, leather products, and craft industries. The new government will push Parliament to pass the Creative Economy Bill that will enable the establishment of a film fund which will in turn facilitate the access to modern equipment and entire film production infrastructure available for local film makers on a hire and lease basis.

    Biashara fund

    The County Government of Nairobi  has promised to set aside funds under the Biashara Fund that shall work towards facilitating optimal production of standardized globally competitive goods through establishment of modern technology facilities. However, this is yet to be finalized and we should be on the look out.

    As a youth-led organization, we are particularly keen on how the youth can be guided and benefit from the tenders, opportunities and funds that the government, institutions, and private sector has set aside for them. In the coming weeks, we shall be looking at how young people can also understand financial security. One thing that young people should also keep in mind is majority of these funds will only be accessible if you’re in a registered group and savings with different Saccos. See you on Tuesday!

    Reference: Kenya Youth Employment Procurement Opportunity , Business Daily

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