Siaya unveils a three-year plan for adolescents, youth

Siaya County has unveiled an ambitious Adolescents and Youth Action Plan 2025-2028. June 16, 2025. [Isaiah Gwengi, Standard]

Governor James Orengo's administration has launched its Adolescent and Young People Action Plan 2025-2028, signalling a move towards improving the health and well-being of its youth.

The event held at Bondo sub-county hospital marked the outcome of a collaborative process aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young people in the region.

The comprehensive blueprint sets out ambitious targets, among them reducing new HIV infections among adolescents and youth to below 40 per cent, cutting the teenage pregnancy rate from 21 per cent to under 15 per cent, and significantly lowering cases of gender-based violence.

The plan also calls for strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration and robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress.

Mental health and psycho-social support take centre stage in the plan, with a focus on fostering innovation, promoting research, and encouraging evidence-based policy making tailored to the needs of young people.

Speaking during the launch, the county Director for Public Health, Kennedy Oruenjo, emphasised the Nyalore Administration's unwavering commitment to empowering young people.

He noted that individuals aged 10 to 24 constitute about 15 per cent of Siaya's population.

"This action plan reflects the voices of young people by highlighting areas that require urgent attention and ensuring inclusivity in addressing their diverse needs," said Oruenjo.

The Siaya County Adolescent and Young People Action Plan 2025-2028 stands as a forward-looking investment in the county's future, ensuring that its youth are not only protected but also empowered to thrive.

The structured plan introduces targeted interventions to enhance access to youth-friendly services in health facilities.

Oruenjo further expressed gratitude to development partners and collaborators who contributed to crafting the strategic document.

The Department of Education, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Social Services pledged continued support, particularly in establishing strong response mechanisms to tackle gender-based violence and in creating an enabling environment for youth development.