The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) has decried the alarming rise in crisis of HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) under its Triple Threat Agenda in Bungoma County,
They were speaking during their countywide engagement held at the ICM Grounds in Mt. Elgon, the event which brought together Senators, county officials, students, teachers, and community leaders to share data, insights and strategies aimed at protecting the county’s youth.
“Bungoma’s demographics highlight the urgency: 66% of residents are under 24, and nearly 30% are aged 10–19. While this young population holds immense potential, gaps in education, health care, and child protection leave adolescents highly vulnerable. “
KEWOSA stressed that the Triple Threat constitutes a national emergency and called for immediate, coordinated action across all sectors.
The statistics are stark. In 2024, Bungoma reported 192 new HIV infections among adolescents, with an estimated 2,800 youths living with HIV. Adolescent pregnancies remain high, with 122,003 cases recorded between 2016–2024 and one in five girls attending their first ANC visit in 2024 being an adolescent. Cases of SGBV among adolescents surged from 32 in 2016 to 805 in 2024, with 41% of cases affecting young people. Socio-economic vulnerabilities including high poverty, early sexual activity, and alcohol use, further intensify the crisis.
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During the engagement, KEWOSA members met with students and parents, highlighting gaps in prevention, reporting and youth friendly health services. While interventions such as school based programmes, community sensitization, and survivor support exist, stakeholders noted they remain insufficient due to limited funding, poor data planning, and inadequate community involvement.
As part of practical support, the senators distributed sanitary towels to girls, translating discussions into tangible action while reinforcing advocacy and policy efforts. Stakeholders pledged to intensify countywide initiatives to protect the health, education and safety of Bungoma’s adolescents.
They called on all sectors to act decisively, enforcing the Children Act (2022) and Sexual Offences Act (2006), ensuring every child stays in school including adolescent mothers, expanding adolescent friendly health services, mobilizing community leaders and adopting a multi-sectoral approach.
“Bungoma’s escalating Triple Threat is a national wake-up call. KEWOSA reaffirms its commitment to championing legislative, policy and community level interventions that safeguard adolescents and protect their future,” Senator Veronica Maina stated.
By Juma Ndigo
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