Nakuru County to Launch Youth-Centered Health Clinics
TSA | March 10, 2025 | Counties, Editor Picks, Health, Nakuru
The Nakuru County Government, in collaboration with Youth for Sustainable World (YSW), is setting up youth-friendly health clinics and centers across its healthcare facilities to cater to the specific needs of its youthful population.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, Ms. Roselyn Mungai, stated that the initiative aims to enhance healthcare service delivery for young people. She emphasized that the project aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s vision for inclusive and accessible healthcare that directly addresses youth-specific health challenges.
The county is mobilizing resources and forging partnerships at local, bilateral, and multilateral levels to tackle issues such as teenage pregnancies, female genital mutilation (FGM), drug abuse, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and new HIV infections. Additionally, Nakuru County is collaborating with the national government and civil society organizations to eradicate new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and SGBV cases.
Ms. Mungai highlighted that the initiative aligns with national and international commitments to provide specialized healthcare for adolescents. The new facilities will offer health services in a non-judgmental and welcoming environment, ensuring young people feel comfortable seeking medical attention.
The youth-friendly centers will be staffed with trained healthcare providers knowledgeable in adolescent health concerns. Services offered will include reproductive health education, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, mental health support, and screening for common adolescent health issues.
Confidentiality remains a key aspect of the initiative, ensuring young people feel safe discussing personal matters with healthcare providers. Outreach programs and community engagement activities will also be implemented to inform youth about available healthcare services and encourage them to seek medical assistance.
Ms. Mungai cited Gilgil Sub-County Hospital as one of the facilities where the county government is revitalizing Youth-Friendly Services (YFS) for individuals aged 18 to 24 years. A specially trained nurse has been deployed at the hospital to work alongside other health professionals, enhancing the delivery of youth-friendly services. She further acknowledged Njoro Sub-County Health Facility as a model for Youth-Friendly Health Services in Nakuru County.
The initiative underscores Nakuru County’s commitment to fostering a healthcare system that meets the unique needs of its young population, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
Nakuru County to Launch Youth-Centered Health Clinics