Transforming Adolescent Sexual Health (TASH)

The Transforming Adolescents Sexual Health (TASH) project aimed to establish strong and sustainable multisectoral partnerships for the development of the Kwale County Adolescent and young people (AYP) strategy. This initiative was crucial in fostering collaboration across different sectors and partners within Kwale County to address the diverse sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) needs of adolescents and young people. 

Through the report, the Focus Group Discussion Guides and a Memorandum for Policy Influence were developed. 

 Key activities of TASH included: 

1. Inception Meeting: A launch event introduced the project to government and health sector stakeholders, ensuring collaboration for a youth-centered SRHR approach. 

1. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Conducted in four sub-counties, these sessions gathered insights from 483 AYPs on SRHR service challenges, such as limited access, judgmental healthcare, lack of youth-friendly services, and insufficient SRHR resources. The FGDs used structured questions, resulting in detailed feedback which informed policy suggestions. 

1. Memorandum Development: Based on FGD insights, a memorandum advocated for SRHR improvements in Kwale, including policy development, operational guidelines, funding for adolescent health services, and collaborative, multi-sectoral approaches. 

Through these activities, we achieved: 

• Enhanced Understanding of youth SRHR needs across Kwale’s diverse regions. 

• Youth-Led Insights for Policy: Provided data-backed, youth-voiced recommendations to address SRHR barriers. 

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Built partnerships with governmental and civil society groups for a sustainable youth strategy in SRHR. 

This product has been invaluable in pushing for inclusive and informed SRHR policy-making.