COUNTY STRENGTHENING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT PATHWAYS FOR ADOLESCENT PARENTS

A sensitization forum organized by the county government of Kakamega in partnership with Investing in Children and their Society (ICS) has highlighted the need to strengthen mental health support pathways for adolescent parents.

CECM for Social Services, Sports, Youth, Gender and Culture graced the meeting on Monday on behalf of First Lady H.E Janet Kassily Barasa and advised young people to be decisive with their sexual behaviours which if not carefully handled, could ruin their future.

The youth were also advised to enroll in the County Youths and Women Empowerment program as a pathway to joining county polytechnics and speak up against sexual violence

Health Services CECM Dr. Livingston Imbayi called for active participation of the youths in county youth-centred initiatives which are aimed at empowering the future generations.

The meeting targetted empowerment of teenage mothers and promotion of behavioral change among adolescents. The First Lady is spearheading a reintegration program to support teenage mothers return to school targetting zero teenage pregnancies in Kakamega by 2032.

Present were Vice Chairperson County Public Service Board Ms. Vivian Ayuma, Chief Officer Social Services, Gender and Culture Ms Christine Oside, Gender Advisor in the Office of the First Lady Ms. Leah Khasandi, Gender Advisor Ms. Joyce Wafukho as well as Ms. Josephine Odhiambo from ICS.