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Third from left: Dr. Amit Thakker the board Chairperson Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) and other board members addressing the press in Nairobi today. Photo: Benard Mulwa

By Benard Mulwa
Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) a State agency working to strengthen the health sector in Kenya has today announced plans aimed to toughen the ailing health sector.
Led by the board Chairperson Dr. Amit Thakker, the board will unveil structures and systems of health on 15Th April this year. The agency which was established in 2022 is composed of the Chairperson, the Principle Secretary Ministry of Health, The Director General of health, The Attorney General, two representatives by the health regulatory boards established under the act of Parliament which is the Nursing Council and the Clinical Officers, the Council of governors, Health Professions Association and a one representative from the Private Sector Mr. Elyas Sheikh Abdinoor, a renowned entrepreneur who is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, the Consumer Rights body and the Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jackson Kioko.
The agency has seven mandate and legal functions which makes it a strong entity. The first is to maintain a duplicate registrar of all the professions working within the National and Country heath systems to bring all the registrar from all the different regulatory bodies together under one single register know as master health register.
The second function is to promote and regulate intra profession liaison between statutory regulatory bodies so as all to be working in harmony. The third function of the body is to coordinate joint inspections with all regulatory bodies.
The fourth function is to receive and facilitate resolutions of complaints from patients, aggrieved parties and regulatory bodies. “We have introduced a complete transparent patient grievance form under KMPDC which is available Online”, Dr. Amit Thakker said this is for any member of public who has not received good care by any health care profession to lodge their complains.
The fifth function is to monitor the execution of respective mandates and functions of regulatory bodies recognized under the Act of Parliament. “There are eleven regulatory bodies currently existing, we are going to help monitor and execute the executions of their mandate, our function is to help them perform even better” Dr. Thakker the board Chairperson told journalists.
The six function is to arbitrate disputes between statutory regulatory bodies and the last mandate is to ensure necessary standards for health professions are not compromised by the regulatory bodies.
The board is newly formed in 2022
In the recent past, Opticians in Kenya did not have an official paper to enable them open an optical outlet that will continue to see and treat the refractory process of Kenya but now all the opticians are licensed. Bio-medical engineers, emergence medical technicians, morticians, speech therapists, audiologists, are all now been registered after being vetted by this Board which was formed in 2022.

Mr. Solomon Osundwa, Vice Chairman Petroleum Institute of East Africa and Chief Operating Officer Hass Petroleum Group during the state of the Petroleum and oil industry briefing at Serena Hotel, Nairobi today.

By Benard Mulwa
It usually goes unsaid but access to reliable, quality petroleum products is deeply intertwined with national security as it influences security operations both in terms of fuel for vehicles and aircrafts as well as power for police stations and communication systems, especially in far flung and hard to reach areas not yet connected to the national grid.
The Vice Chairman Petroleum Institute of East Africa Mr. Solomon Osundwa, observed that energy infrastructure, such as petroleum pipelines and storage facilities are critical and protecting these assets from natural disasters, terrorist and cyber-attacks, or sabotage is vital for overall national safety and security.
The petroleum industry growth in Kenya, which has seen an increase in the number of outlets, storage and refilling facilities, has brought with it numerous challenges with the biggest one being the unauthorized refilling sites of petroleum products, specifically Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).
These sites normally refill cylinders belonging to licensed brand owners illegally with a case and point being the fire tragedy that occurred in the residential area of Mradi Area, Embakasi that claimed people’s lives and left scores injured.
The inability to trace the movement of petroleum products comes at a close second which presents serious safety concerns to consumers and the public at large.
Mr. Solomon Osundwa said “Illegal petroleum facilities, dumping of export petroleum products, adulteration of petroleum products, and siphoning of petroleum products along our major highways and transport corridors are likewise, emerging threats from sector cartels”.
The petroleum sector continues to harbor rogue business people while some elements within our law and enforcement agencies have been compromised thus the need to enhance intelligence-led enforcement, harden prosecution measures, and capacity building across enforcement agencies.
During the celebrations for the International Women’s Day held on 2nd March 2023, His Excellency the President conveyed his concerns about rogue business people dealing in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other petroleum products. Equally, the
President ordered that government officials involved in granting licenses to unauthorized refilling plants to be dismissed, arrested and prosecuted.
On 28th March 2023, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration together with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in liaison with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Energy Police Unit, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, embarked on a Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) on rogue LPG dealers and petroleum businesses.
The RRI aimed to ensure compliance with licensing conditions at LPG and petroleum storage and filling plants and enforce safety measures to minimize the risk of accidents.
Correspondingly, a nationwide registration of all LPG and petroleum businesses was conducted to enhance management and regulation, his speech reads in part.
Mr. Solomon Osundwa, Vice Chairman Petroleum Institute of East Africa said, “As a result, a total of 17,958 LPG and 6,188 petroleum facilities were registered, with the Central region having the highest number. This was followed by Rift Valley, Eastern, Nyanza, Nairobi, Coast, Western and North Eastern regions respectively”.
Facilities operating without valid storage and filling licenses, usage of vehicles without permits to transport bulk petroleum products, refilling of LPG cylinders of other brands without authorization from the brand owners and tampering with EPRA seals were the most common illegalities found and files forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
From the exercise it was indeed clear that new measures to curb the illicit trade of petroleum products need to be established and I would like to summarize them as follows.
First, we need to deploy advanced technology for monitoring and surveillance of the supply chain to help in early detection of illicit activities. Rogue business people are ever changing their tactics and now leveraging on technology to extend their territorial reach.
We should not be left behind. I urge the petroleum sector to take advantage of our National Government Administrative Officers as coordinators of regular inspections and surveillance exercises at the County levels owing to their reach.
Second, there is need to update and strengthen legal frameworks to impose stricter penalties on those involved in the illicit trade including government officials found to have approved illegal facilities or turned a blind eye through corruption to unlicenced facilities and vehicles transporting petroleum products without valid permits.
Third, educating the public about the dangers of using illegally sourced LPG and petroleum products can help reduce demand for such products. Sponsorships from entities such as the Petroleum Institute of East Africa in conjunction with Enforcement Agencies and other public and private entities can amplify these efforts.
Fourth, training law enforcement and regulatory personnel on the latest techniques for detecting and preventing the illicit trade as well as involving the petroleum industry players in developing solutions and reporting suspicious activities can lead to a more comprehensive approach to tackling the issue.
A dedicated Energy Police Unit was already established to provide security to critical petroleum infrastructure and a review can be made to expand the Unit to co-opt all other enforcement.
The fight against the illicit trade in the petroleum sector requires a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration between government agencies, industry players, the private sector, and the public.

After multiple election cycles of making no inroads in Mt. Kenya, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has embarked on a campaign to woo the region, signaling a strategic move towards fostering unity between the Kikuyu and Akamba communities.

The Kikuyu council of elders hosted Kalonzo at their Ruaka offices on Thursday, as the presidential aspirant sought to rekindle old ties between the two communities.

Kalonzo proposed the integration of the Kamba community into the GEMA (Gikuyu, Embu, Meru, Akamba) regional grouping. Kalonzo has in the past rarely acknowledged the ‘A’ in GEMA, but political realignments may now force him to pay more attention.

During the discussion, Kalonzo appealed to the Kikuyu elders to support his vision for unity.

He assured them of his commitment to fostering relationships with community leaders throughout the region, including plans to engage with the Meru council and Njuri Ncheke.

Kalonzo’s initiative is part of a broader outreach, indicating readiness to assume a leadership role within the Azimio coalition once ODM leader Raila Odinga transitions to the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.

Wachira Kiago, the National Chairman of the Kikuyu council, lauded Kalonzo’s efforts towards unity and reconciliation, pledging support for ongoing discussions aimed at promoting regional growth and cooperation.

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui and Matungulu MP Stephen Mule also voiced their support, emphasizing the importance of including the Akamba community within the GEMA alliance to bolster regional development and cooperation.

Former Women representative Rechel Shebesh praised Kalonzo’s longstanding support for the Mount Kenya community, notably his backing of Narc party leader Martha Karua for the deputy position in the Azimio leadership. She expressed the Jubilee party’s readiness to collaborate with Kalonzo and support his future endeavors.

However, Kalonzo faces internal challenges within the Azimio coalition, as evidenced by Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua’s remarks questioning his suitability as a presidential candidate and urging him to focus on demonstrating his capabilities to voters. This public disagreement between two coalition principals cast doubt on the future of the movement as a whole.

Other prominent leaders who attended the Thursday meeting include: Boni Mwalika (MP Kitui Rural), Gideon Mulyungi (Mwingi Central), Musila Mawathe (Embakasi South MP), Enock Wambua (Kitui Senator), and Daniel Maanzo (Makueni Senator), all showing a united front in support of Kalonzo’s initiative for unity across the Mount Kenya region.

By Stephen Musyoka

MultiChoice Kenya, a leading entertainment and pay TV provider in the country has called on more Kenyans to support and grow local content in the country during this year’s media content showcase at The Windsor Golf & Country Club.

According to Nzola Miranda, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya: “As Kenya’s most loved storyteller, we are dedicated to spotlighting the incredible creativity and talent inherent in our nation. We are witnessing a shifting trend in our viewers preferences towards locally produced content. Several of our recent local productions have been recognized at the Women in Film Awards & the Kalasha International TV & Film Market Festival & Awards.

Some of the top local shows that have been recognized in the last few weeks include ‘Kam U Stay’ for the Best TV comedy, Zari, for the Best TV Drama and “The Death of a Kenyan Heiress” episode of ‘The Last Door’ show by veteran journalist John Allan Namu that won in the Best Documentary Feature category.

“We see a huge opportunity to grow and deepen the local content eco system by supporting our very own and watching locally produced shows. This way, we will create more employment in the creative industry and ensure that we are consuming our own content. Nigeria and Tanzania are leading the way in this front and its time we challenged ourselves as Kenyans and tapped into this opportunity,” noted Nzola Miranda, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya.

During the media content showcase, Mr. Miranda emphasized the company’s dedication to fostering and promoting Kenyan narratives on a global stage noting that as Kenya’s most loved storyteller, producing and supporting local content is at the cornerstone of what MultiChoice Kenya is rooted in.

“Our substantive investments in local content – over 500 hours annually, underscore our dedication to shaping the local film industry. We urge more Kenyans to embrace local productions, we will continue producing content that speaks to the hearts of our viewers in their own languages,” added Mr. Miranda.

On his part, Elisha Kamau, Public Relations Manager, MultiChoice Kenya noted: “We remain committed to leveraging our resources, partnerships, influence, and content library to bring our customers the best in local content. We are looking forward to telling more local stories by our own people in our own language and style.”

Among the key dignitaries that attended the event include Zari actresses Sarah Hassan and Brenda Hassan and Kam U Stay producer Damaris Irungu.

Media content showcase is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and catalyse the evolution of our media landscape, ensuring that Kenyan voices are heard far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Secretary General Dr. George Gibore together with the National Chairman Dr. Peterson Wachira addressing the Press today at Upper hill garden Nairobi, the Union headquarters. Photo: Benard Mulwa.

By Benard Mulwa
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has declared of imminent commencement of a National strike starting on April 1st 2024. The announcement was made today by the Union Secretary General Dr. George Gibore together with the National Chairman Dr. Peterson Wachira at Upper hill garden, the Union headquarters.
The strike action comes after a prolonged neglected by the government in addressing critical issues affecting Clinical Officers, which directly hinder deliverance of quality of healthcare services and undermines the achievement of Universal Health care (UHC) a key government agenda in the health sector.
Addressing the press, the Union Secretary General Dr. George Gibore together with the National Chairman Dr. Peterson Wachira said “the issues raised in our strike notice are fundamental and could have been resolved with a week, for instance, negotiations for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) have been ongoing since2017 without any meaningful progress,” adding that the negotiation period spanning two life cycles of a CBA, is a clear statement to the lack of commitment from the government’s side despite court orders mandating engagement and resolution.
Central to the Union’s demands is the immediate issuance of confirmation letters for permanent and pensionable positions to various categories of healthcare staff, the statement reads in part including the UHC and COVID-19 response team among others.
“The council of Governors (COG) has repeatedly failed to cooperate, leaving us with no recourse but to escalate our action”, adding that, while the Ministry of Health has indicated budgetary readiness, the Council of Governor’s refusal to provide concurrence has stalled progress and on the other hand insisting extension of Universal Health Care contracts under punitive terms.

Additionally, the Union Secretary General Dr. George Gibore together with the National Chairman Dr. Peterson Wachira told journalist that are protesting the systemic flagrant disregard of Public Service Commission (PSC) Human Resource Manual by both the Ministry of Health and County governments, resulting in the stagnation of career progression for majority Clinical Officers, “as a matter of facts, some have not seen promotion since devolution began,” Dr. George Gibore said, Kirinyaga county government stands as a stark example. Shockingly, it is the same county where the reinstatement of dismissed 47 Clinical Officers, as ordered by the Public Service Commission remains unfulfilled.
Dr. Peterson Wachira, the Union National Chairman said they demand the immediate recruitment of over twenty thousand qualified Clinical Officers to address existing staff shortages, in line with the government’s commitment to improving healthcare coverage, “it is our position that the Ministry of Health adheres to 2020 approved internship staff establishment guidelines by the Public Service Commission, disregarding disruptive advisories from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) that threatens sector stability,” adding that the Union also call for the expeditious approval of Career Progression Guidelines for Clinical Officers, provision of comprehensive medical cover for all serving clinical officers and compliance with previous issued demands letters, all of which have been met with disregard by the government,” Dr. Wachira said in his statement.

The Union top leadership said as of midnight tonight, services at 4172 level 2, 1217 level 3, 3367 level 4 and 14 level 5 facilities will be disrupted as all clinical services come to a halt.

Member of Parliament Githunguri Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba during the launch of Coalition against sexual violence strategic plan in Mercure hotel Nairobi today. Photo: Benard Mulwa

By Benard Mulwa
Githunguri Member of Parliament Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba today has publically mentioned to move a motion in Parliament seeking to outlaw femicide in Kenya if it becomes a law.
The law maker was speaking during the launch of coalition against sexual violence strategic plan which calls on the Government of Kenya to prevent and ensure accountability for femicide by training and supporting the National Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to investigate and prosecute cases of gender-based violence.
Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) is a national non-profit women’s rights organization that was established in 1995 to respond to the silence of the Kenyan society in addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba said femicide has been grouped together with other form of gender based violence and it is increasingly becoming a menace in Kenya following cases witnessed in the recent past.
In Kenya, the data collected by Africa Data Hub suggest that over the past eight years, 75 percent of female homicide victims were killed by intimate partners or family members, most often husbands or boyfriends.
Hon. Wamuchomba she is the current chair of the committee that oversights the implementation of Kenyan Constitution and also the out-going chair of KEWOPA and currently chair of coffee caucus of the National Assembly.
Wangu Kanja foundation which is spearheaded by a sexual survivor

Toyota Kenya unveils road safety drive for young learners Mr. Arvinder Singh Reel – Managing Director, Toyota Kenya, and the Chief Executive Officer, CFAO Automotive—Kenya in the middle background together with Langata Primary School Children in Nairobi. Photo: Benard Mulwa

By Benard Mulwa
A subsidiary of the CFAO Automotive, Toyota Kenya Ltd, in partnership with National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) today has set on course safety drive for young leaners in a bid to curb cases of road carnage of school children.
The occasion was marked at Langata Primary School in Nairobi bringing together renowned former Safari Rally driver Juha Matti Pellervo Kankkunen, National Transport and Safety Authority NTSA Director Safety Dr. Andrew Kiplangat and Toyota Kenya Managing Director, Arvinder Singh Reel to sensitize School children on road safety.
During the celebration, Mr. Arvinder Singh Reel donated over one thousand Jackets reflectors, wrist band reflectors and School crossing lollipop stop signs to the School and he encouraged the children to wear them in the morning when going to School and in the evening when going back home and use zebra crossing whenever crossing roads.
On the other hand, Dr. Andrew Kiplangat, Director Safety National Transport and Safety Authority said NTSA has partnered with Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development KICD develop a curriculum on road safety and has put a raft of measures including promoting safe drive and compliance measures.

Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Excecutive Director Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya. Photo: Benard Mulwa

By Benard Mulwa
Anti-Counter Authority of Kenya and Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania has joined efforts to Increase Cooperation and Inter-Agency collaborations between different agencies mandated to fight illicit trade and Customs authorities at border points. The aim of this effort is to facilitate rapid exchange of information between Agencies and enhance enforcement through joint investigations, risk profiling, and intelligence sharing among others.
This comes as the Director General FCC Mr. William Erio visited Kenya as deliberated in last meeting in Tanzania to deliberate, enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to counterfeiting, combat counterfeiting, trade and other dealings in counterfeit goods, devise and promote training programs to combat counterfeiting and co-ordinate with national, regional or international organizations involved in combating counterfeiting.
Kenya and Tanzania have been strategic and indispensable partners since pre-independence days and Pan African Renaissance having gained independence in 1963.
The two country occupy a strategic geographical location serving and facilitating transit and transshipment of cargo to the greater Eastern and Central Africa hinterland through Mombasa and Dar-Salaam Port both being the greatest gateways and entrance into the greater East and Central African region.
Kenya like Tanzania has strong trade linkages and regional economic connectivity. We are members of EAC and COMESA and very importantly our countries are members of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that will create the largest free trade area in the world.
At the international level, we fall under the corporation roof of WIPO and resultant TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organization, the Paris Convention, Berne Convention, Rome Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty among other shared conventions.
As the top East African powerhouses our bilateral traded stands at Sh90 billion characterized by a very vibrant cross border trade taking place using the Border points;
Namanga: Located approximately 170 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, Isebania: Situated in western Kenya, near Lake Victoria, Loitokitok in southern Kenya, near Mount Kilimanjaro, Holili near the Tsavo West National Park and Lunga Lunga located in southeastern Kenya, near the Indian Ocean, the Airports, and the Indian Ocean including the Lake Victoria.
The shocking truth is that the value of counterfeit and illicit trade goods runs into billions of dollars globally. The global scale is said to represent between 5 and 7% of world trade. This is an alarming figure dangerous enough to easily upset the world economic equilibrium.
In Kenya Illicit trade including counterfeiting, smuggling, substandard, unaccustomed grew from KSH 700B in 2028 to KSH 850Bin 2019.
Counterfeit trade led other forms of illicit trade and was valued at KSH 80Billion to KSH 100 B annually. That is approximately the value of trade between Kenya and Tanzania.
Going by the growing nature of the crime and by statistical extrapolation, the value of illicit trade could have reached the KS I Trillion this year.
Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Excecutive Director Anti-Counterfeit Authority said, Industries have become the direct target. FMC goods industries dealing with sugar, food and beverages lose market share and big investments posing the risk of economic drainage to a country adding that organized criminal networks control the counterfeiting and illicit activities. No government in the world should condone such criminal activities run by mafias, terror groups or sympathizers and other underground elements,
“It dampens the spirit of investors. Intellectual property theft stifles innovation and deters honest entrepreneurs from investing in product and market development, adding that It causes revenue losses to governments. This deprives governments of revenues needed for the country’s infrastructure and other priorities.
This trade threatens the lives of consumers. Medicines, surgical equipment, food, apparel, soft drinks, cigarettes, electrical appliances, boda boda spares, aircraft and vehicle parts are all affected and all particularly affect lives of people.
Challenges
The challenge of increased volume of imported cargo. Based on performance report of the Kenya Ports Authority for 2021; the Port witnessed increased volumes in container traffic registering 389,515 twenty foot equivalent units (Teus) making it increasingly hard for container profiling and verification while at the same time implementing ease of doing business trade policies.
The challenge of illegal consignments concealed in legal consignments. They are bringing consolidated cargo with unbranded products and labels in different consignments using fraudulent documents.
Generally; Most of our front line officers in border management suffer from a lack of awareness, training, effective enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.
The challenge of corruption and our porous borders/ panya routes unauthorized entry and border integrity.
The Excecutive Director Anti-Counterfeit Authority observed that there is need for review of laws and regulations both at country level as well as at the regional level to ensure appropriate level of punishment for effective deterrence.

By Stephen Musyoka

Today the Nairobi river commission chairlady Dr.Pamela Olet lead the flagging off of riverine communities for visit to Thwake dam Makueni county

Speaking during the flagging off ceremony held in Nairobi Pamela noted riverine communities are working tirelessly upstream to restore the health and vitality of precious waterways.

” As we gather here to flag off our riverine communities to visit Twake Dam, it is a profound sense of admiration for the resilience and determination demonstrated by each and every one of you. Your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all. Together, we are embarking on a journey towards a brighter and more sustainable future for our rivers and our communities.” Said Olet

“On this world water day, we must commit ourselves to the preservation and restoration of our rivers, not just for our sake but for the sake of our future generations.” She added

She urged people to recognize the pivotal role that riparian zone restoration, waste management practices, sustainable agriculture, community education, and collaborative monitoring play in safeguarding the integrity of Twake Dam and its surrounding watershed.

She further encouraged Kenyan’s to engage in activities such as tree planting, erosion control, and habitat restoration to riverine communities

“As we work hand in hand, we can ensure that Thwake Dam remains a beacon of sustainability and resilience, providing clean water and ecological benefits for all of the people of Makueni County.” She added.

By Maximilla Wafula

Nairobi, March 21, 2024 – In the heart of Nairobi County, amidst the radiant glow of the sun, a transformative event unfolded—the Men’s Forum on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention. Organized by FAWE Kenya under the Imarisha Msichana program in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, this gathering aimed to enlighten men about their pivotal role in curbing teenage pregnancies.

The venue pulsated with enthusiasm as representatives from the esteemed Kenya riders and owners Boda Boda Association (KROBBA), led by the esteemed Super Chairman Mr. Elly Kegode, converged with young men and boys from Kibra and Langata constituencies. Their collective agenda resonated with a clear mission, to shift the narrative from blame to empowerment, transforming men into proactive agents of change.

Mr. Justus Makhulo, the County Coordinator for FAWE Kenya in Nairobi, praised the Men’s Forum on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention as a significant step towards empowering men. He emphasized the forum’s role in sensitizing men about their crucial role in curbing teenage pregnancies and commended the collaborative efforts of FAWE Kenya, the Imarisha Msichana program, and the Mastercard Foundation in organizing such an impactful event.

Mr. Makhulo highlighted the importance of male engagement and active participation in teenage pregnancy prevention programs, noting that men have a responsibility to shift the narrative from blame to empowerment. He expressed optimism about the forum’s outcomes, stating that it had inspired men to become proactive agents of change in their communities and contribute to a brighter future for young people.this gathering aimed to enlighten men about their pivotal role in curbing teenage pregnancies.

Discussions at the forum traversed various strategies, accentuating the significance of abstinence and safe sex practices. Seasoned speakers shared poignant experiences, illuminating the profound impact of early parenthood on young girls and the wider community. Real-life narratives echoed deeply, highlighting the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.

As the forum progressed, a palpable sense of responsibility and commitment enveloped the atmosphere. Men acknowledged their crucial role in reshaping societal norms and pledged active support for teenage pregnancy prevention programs. They discerned the pivotal role of education, access to contraceptives, and fostering healthy relationships in this collective endeavor.

Interactive sessions fostered open dialogue, empowering participants to pose questions, seek clarification, and innovate solutions collaboratively. The forum emphasized the imperative of collaborative action between government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders for sustained progress.

The forum’s conclusion resonated with hope and determination, as men departed energized and motivated to spearhead change in their communities. They embraced their roles as mentors, educators, and advocates for adolescent sexual and reproductive health, heralding a brighter future devoid of the burdens of teenage pregnancies.