Tiaty Youth Development Association CBO

26/08/2026

PS Oluga Calls for Stronger Integration of HIV Services

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has called for the integration of HIV prevention, treatment and care into the broader health system to ensure clients receive comprehensive services as Kenya advances Universal Health Coverage and strengthens primary healthcare.

Dr Oluga made the remarks during a visit to the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) at Afya Annex in Nairobi, where he reviewed programme operations, assessed service delivery and engaged staff involved in coordinating Kenya’s response to HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

He was received by the Head of NASCOP, Dr Andrew Mulwa, who led him through the programme’s key operational areas and introduced him to the technical and support teams.

The PS highlighted NASCOP’s role in providing national coordination, technical guidance and support for HIV and STI prevention, treatment and care. He noted that closer integration would enable clients to access HIV services alongside other essential healthcare services.

Dr Oluga also interacted with staff to understand their responsibilities, operational needs and contribution to the national health agenda. He assessed the programme’s working environment and identified areas requiring attention to support effective service delivery.

He commended the NASCOP team for its dedication and contribution to Kenya’s HIV response, reaffirming the Ministry of Health’s commitment to supporting its workforce and strengthening collaboration across programmes and institutions.

The NASCOP visit marked the last engagement in the PS’s working tour of specialised health institutions and programmes.

20/08/2026

REPORT ON YOUTH AND COMMUNITY SENSITIZATION ON RECOVERY AND SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION

Activity: Youth and Community Sensitization
Venue: Kolowa Sub-County
Programme: OMU Northrift for Peace Tournament – 3rd Edition
Main Event Venue: Tot, Elgeyo-Marakwet County
Focus: Recovery Awareness, Substance Use Prevention and Community Support

1. Introduction

As part of the OMU Northrift for Peace Tournament 3rd Edition, a sensitization activity was conducted in Kolowa Sub-County targeting young people and members of the community. The engagement used the platform of the tournament to create awareness on alcohol and drug abuse, recovery, rehabilitation, and the importance of supporting individuals and families affected by substance use.

2. Recovery Journey and Awareness

During the engagement, I shared my personal recovery journey and used my lived experience to encourage young people and community members that change and recovery are possible.

The session emphasized that individuals who are struggling with substance use should not lose hope. They were encouraged to seek appropriate help, treatment and rehabilitation services and to make use of available referral pathways.

The community was also encouraged to support their loved ones experiencing substance-related challenges rather than giving up on them. Families and peers have an important role in encouraging affected individuals to seek help and remain connected to positive support systems.

3. Key Messages

The sensitization focused on:

- Prevention of alcohol and drug abuse among young people.
- Understanding substance use as an issue requiring support and appropriate intervention.
- Encouraging individuals affected by substance use to seek help and treatment.
- Promoting rehabilitation, recovery and reintegration.
- Encouraging families to support their loved ones through the recovery journey.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles and positive choices among young people.
- Strengthening community awareness and referral linkages.

4. Key Outcome

The engagement provided an opportunity for young people and community members to openly discuss substance use challenges and recovery. The sharing of a lived recovery experience helped demonstrate that a person's past does not have to determine their future.

Participants were encouraged to become ambassadors of prevention, support their peers and help connect individuals affected by substance use to appropriate services.

5. Conclusion

The sensitization at Kolowa Sub-County was a meaningful component of the OMU Northrift for Peace Tournament 3rd Edition. Integrating recovery awareness into a peace and sports platform provided an effective way of reaching young people and the wider community.

The message remains clear: recovery is possible, help is available, and communities have a role to play in supporting those affected by substance use. Continued awareness, treatment linkages, rehabilitation support and community-based recovery programmes are essential in creating healthier and more resilient communities across the Northrift.

Prepared by:
Ambassador Rutto Kolem
Recovery Coach | Youth Advocate | Community Development Practitioner
Tiaty Constituency, Baringo County

20/08/2026

Yesterday OMU Peace Sports Tournament was held at Kolowa Primary School Ground, Kolowa Sub-County, Tiaty Constituency.

⚽ Match Results
Yattia 01 -02 Lgwesi
Barca 02–01 Lgwesi
Taban 0–0 Barca
Yattia 0–0 Barca
Taban 02–01 Lgwesi
Yattia 0–0 Taban

The tournament continues to bring together 40 teams from across the region through sports, peace and unity.

Follow us for more live updates from the OMU Peace Sports Tournament. 🕊️⚽

17/08/2026

17/08/2026

Bag ni ya nini?

17/08/2026

A team from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) visited the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) as part of an assessment of the sustainability of Kenya’s HIV response for People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). Received by NSDCC CEO Douglas Bosire, the team was briefed on Kenya’s progress in integrating harm reduction into national and county health systems, including Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT), Needle and Syringe Programmes, HIV testing and treatment, psychosocial support and peer-led outreach. Kenya has an estimated 30,641 PWID, with HIV prevalence among this population at 9.1% and Hepatitis C prevalence at 21%.
Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen government and county ownership, sustainable financing, multisectoral coordination and community participation, while supporting the social reintegration of clients who have stabilised on MAT through social protection, vocational training, livelihood opportunities and peer employment. The assessment also emphasised integrating harm reduction into wider reforms covering HIV, TB, viral hepatitis, mental health, primary healthcare and Universal Health Coverage to build a more resilient and sustainable response.

25/07/2026

Report on the Accelerated Learning Graduation Ceremony – Chemukutan

Date: 21 July 2026
Venue: Chemukutan, Baringo County

Introduction

Today, I attended the Accelerated Learning Graduation Ceremony held in Chemukutan. The event was organized with the support of World Vision and brought together community members, local leaders, education stakeholders, parents, and learners to celebrate the achievements of adult learners and promote access to education.

Key Highlights

World Vision has played a significant role in empowering the community through accelerated learning and adult education initiatives. The programme equipped participants with basic literacy and life skills while encouraging them to become key change agents within their communities. Graduates were challenged to champion education, advocate for children's rights, and inspire lifelong learning among their families and neighbours.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing adult education reforms and the importance of strengthening community participation in promoting education for all.

Success Stories

One of the most remarkable achievements of the day was the positive response from parents and guardians towards education. As a result of sustained community engagement and awareness, 20 children were voluntarily enrolled and committed to joining school immediately. This demonstrates increasing trust in education and reflects a positive shift in community attitudes towards children's learning.

The willingness of families to enroll their children is a significant milestone that will contribute to improved school enrollment, reduced illiteracy, and better opportunities for children in the future.

Recommendations

- Continue strengthening community awareness on the importance of education for both children and adults.
- Expand accelerated learning programmes to reach more underserved communities.
- Strengthen collaboration among World Vision, government agencies, community leaders, and local organizations to sustain school enrollment and retention.
- Establish regular community follow-up mechanisms to ensure newly enrolled children remain in school.
- Encourage graduates of the accelerated learning programme to serve as education ambassadors and mentors within their villages.

Conclusion

The Accelerated Learning Graduation Ceremony at Chemukutan was a successful and impactful event. World Vision's investment in adult education has empowered community members to become advocates for education and positive social change. The voluntary enrollment of 20 children into school stands as a major success story and demonstrates the community's growing commitment to securing a brighter future through education. Continued partnership and sustained community engagement will further strengthen educational outcomes and transform lives across the region.

11/07/2026

10/07/2026

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health was today hosted by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) for an oversight engagement aimed at deepening the Committee's understanding of the Council's mandate and strengthening parliamentary support for Kenya's response to HIV and other syndemic diseases.
The 15 Members of Parliament engaged the Council on its governance framework, strategic priorities and progress in coordinating the national response to HIV and other syndemic diseases. The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss emerging priorities, implementation challenges and strategies for sustaining gains in the national response.
As the Committee plays a pivotal role in legislative oversight, policy direction, budgetary allocation and accountability within the health sector, its leadership remains essential in strengthening Kenya's multisectoral response and accelerating progress towards ending HIV and other syndemic diseases as public health threats by 2030.