Governor Lusaka signs deal with Amref to boost youth health

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has signed a Memorandum of Intent with Amref Health Africa and Tiko Africa to establish Youth Empowerment Centres for Health (YEC4H) in all the county’s 45 wards.

The initiative, launched in Bungoma on Wednesday, seeks to address the triple threat facing the county’s young people-teenage pregnancies, new HIV infections, and gender-based violence (GBV), while also promoting digital inclusion, mental health, and economic empowerment.

Statistics paint a grim picture showing that 19 per cent of girls aged 15–19 in Bungoma are already mothers.

Another 1,679 new HIV infections were recorded among adolescent girls in 2023, and 38 per cent of GBV cases involve youth.

“To change this trajectory, we must invest in our young people. This is more than an initiative; it is a flagship for youth empowerment and community transformation,” said Lusaka.

Under the pact, Bungoma County will invest in modern, youth-friendly facilities, supply essential health commodities, and gradually absorb YEC4H staff into its payroll.

At least 30 per cent of county tenders will also be reserved for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

Amref will provide technical support and spearhead digital infrastructure, while Tiko Africa will expand health services and recruit additional community health promoters.

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To guarantee financial transparency, the county has created a Special Purpose Escrow Account, making Bungoma among the first African counties to co-pay for an output-based health project.

“The three-year program is backed by a results-based public–private co-financing model, with the county committing approximately Sh300 million and Partners will cover a viability gap of about Sh867 million, said Dr Catherine Kanari, the Programs manager at Amref Bungoma county office.

 Implementation will be phased, with county co-payments for outputs starting after 18 months and YEC4H staff fully integrated into the county payroll by the third year.

“By 2028, the program targets a 30 per cent reduction in teenage pregnancies, 40 per cent fewer new HIV infections, and a 50 per cent increase in GBV support services, positioning Bungoma as a model for youth-focused health equity in Africa," she said.