Sustainable Futures Nexus Africa -SFN Africa

07/05/2026

Grassroots organisations are often closest to the realities communities face yet many impactful community-led solutions remain underrepresented in national conversations.

That is why media visibility matters.

We appreciate Citizen TV Kenya for covering the Back-to-School Campaign in Busia County and, importantly, spotlighting the deeper realities affecting adolescents and young people, including the persistent triple threat of:
-New HIV infections among youth
-Teenage pregnancies
-Gender-based violence and exploitation

Beyond highlighting the event itself, the coverage amplified the urgency of investing in integrated, community-rooted responses that protect, empower, and create opportunities for young people.

For grassroots organisations, media plays a critical role in:
-Elevating community voices and lived experiences
-Bringing local realities into national focus
-Strengthening advocacy, visibility, and collaboration
-Supporting the scale-up of locally led solutions

At Sustainable Futures Nexus (SFN), Africa, we believe sustainable systems change begins within communities and that local action deserves both visibility and support.

We remain grateful to all partners, stakeholders, frontline teams, and community members contributing towards healthier, safer, and more empowered futures for adolescents and young people.

Jenga Afrihub CHU4UHC platform UNFPA Kenya European Union in Kenya BUSIA County Government The Ministry of Health Jenga Afrihub world Vision kenya Mildmay KENYA

04/05/2026

Beyond the Numbers: Why Integrated Youth Health Systems Cannot Wait

Apart from reaching 703 adolescents across Amagoro and Angurai during the Back to School Campaign on AYSRHR and SGBV, we intentionally brought in partner@ypluskenya and to deliver integrated health screening services; HIV testing, cervical and breast cancer screening along with fully linked with HTS, SGBV referral, and follow-up systems.

Because engagement alone is not enough.

The data from our own backyard tells us why:
🔴 38% of new adult HIV infections in Kenya are among adolescents and young people aged 15-24. Adolescent girls are four times more likely to be infected than their male peers. In western Kenya, HIV prevalence among women in neighbouring counties reaches 14–15%.
🟠 43% of women and girls (15-49) have experienced intimate partner violence (KDHS 2022).
🟡 2024 was Kenya's deadliest year on record for women - 170 femicide cases documented, double the annual average. 75% of victims were killed by someone they knew.
🟢 Only 6% of young women have ever undergone cervical cancer screening, and 5.1% breast cancer screening- highlighting critical gaps in early detection.

These are not abstract statistics. These are the young people we sit with in the communities we serve.

This is the interconnected reality they are navigating daily. Information alone cannot carry this weight.

What's needed are integrated, youth-responsive systems that do more than inform, they identify risk early, connect services, and ensure continuity of care and protection. On top of it, they economically empower the youths and women.

At SFN Africa , we are moving beyond fragmented interventions; building integrated, community-rooted approaches that meet young people where they are and respond to the full reality of their lives.

Because impact doesn’t come from activity, it comes from how well systems work together.
Jenga Afrihub

29/04/2026

Thank you to the Busia County Government, Department of Health and Sanitation for the leadership and coordination in bringing this important initiative to life.

Deep appreciation to Jenga Afrihub and all partners including Mildmay Kenya, Y+ Kenya(Y-Plus), World Vision Kenya, The Urban Loft Cafe, and the Sauti Zetu SRHR Champions for the strong collaboration in delivering a truly integrated response for adolescents.

SFN Africa is grateful to have contributed to this first ever Back-to-School Campaign in Teso North and to work alongside partners committed to adolescent health, protection, and empowerment.

We look forward to continuing this journey of co-creating integrated, locally driven solutions that respond to the real needs of young people, across health, education, and economic opportunity.

29/04/2026

29/04/2026

Everyone says we need to “keep girls in school.” Most times, the systems are not built for that outcome.

In Busia, girls are pushed out by fragmented systems, not just fees. Education, health, and support rarely connect to their reality.

So we changed the starting point.
With Jenga Afrihub and COUNTY government, the we delivered a first ever Back-to-School Campaign integrating education and health services.

In 2 days, over 700+ adolescents were reached across Amagoro and Angurai through MHM school support (dignity kits) and on-site health services including cervical and breast cancer screening,HIV testing services, SRHR education, and SGBV support.

Everything in one place.

For the adolescents reached, this meant a real chance to stay in school, access care without fear or stigma, receive accurate health information, and feel supported in navigating complex life realities. Teenage mothers were intentionally included, with real-time access to information and care.

A key highlight; When systems are connected, young people stay and engage.

Deep appreciation to all partners and teams who made this possible, the Busia County government leadership ,DG and CECM Health and Sanitation, County and Sub-County Health Management Teams, World Vision kenya, The Urban Loft Café,
Mildmay Kenya, Y+ Kenya, and others.

Special thanks to Prof. Olubayi Olubayi of KIWIMBI International for enabling youth engagement after a concurrent math contest.

This was not a campaign. It was a proof point.
An early stage integrated model that SFN Africa and Jenga AfriHub are building from this ground realities.

Excited for the next steps ,the foundation had been laid and we are keen to revolutionize adolescent health implementation

21/04/2026

Great things happen when people come together.

Elated to be part of this partnership
Let’s keep expanding our reach in improving access to MHM products, advancing girls’ dignity, and ensuring more girls stay in school and thrive

21/04/2026

Yesterday, we engaged the Deputy Governor and CEC for Health, Busia County, Hon. Arthur Odera, alongside our partners Jenga Afrihub , on strengthening community health and empowerment systems.

At Sustainable Futures Nexus (SFN Africa), we are working to advance women and youth empowerment through integrated pathways that connect health, digital livelihoods, and economic opportunity.

One message was clear: fragmented efforts won’t get us where we need to go. Collaboration is not optional, it’s the way forward.

A major concern raised was the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and increasing HIV vulnerability among young people, highlighting urgent gaps in SRHR awareness, mentorship, and community support systems.

Looking ahead, we will be working with the County Government and partners to co-create solutions focused on:
• SRHR advocacy and prevention
• Youth mentorship and life skills
• Women and youth economic empowerment
• Stronger community-led systems

We are energized for what lies ahead and committed to building solutions that truly work for communities.

20/04/2026

It was an incredible experience being part of such powerful conversations on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), especially around creating meaningful space for youth and women to lead, speak, and shape solutions.

Together our partners Jenga AfriHub, what stood out most was the power of partnerships and collaboration. When we work together and reduce fragmentation across efforts, we unlock stronger, more sustainable impact for the communities we serve and ensure that grassroots voices are not only heard, but truly supported.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Emuria FM for giving us the platform to amplify these critical conversations and reach wider communities. Spaces like these truly matter.

At Sustainable Futures Nexus (SFN) Africa, we are intentional about connecting voices to action, turning conversations into community-led solutions, linking grassroots realities to systems change, and building bridges where gaps have existed for far too long.

Let’s continue to break the silence.
Let’s keep engaging, learning, and unlearning.
Let’s keep pushing for dignity, access, and equity for all.

16/04/2026

15/04/2026

A girl’s future is shaped by the opportunities she can access today. When healthcare is out of reach, education is disrupted. When education is disrupted, economic independence becomes a distant reality. And without economic power, her ability to make informed choices about her health, dignity, and future is limited.

This is the cycle we must break.

AtSustainable Futures Nexus Africa -SFN Africa, we recognize that sustainable change begins by addressing these interconnected barriers. That is why we are proud to partner with Jenga Afrihub—a movement grounded in empowering young women with knowledge, skills, and access to essential resources.

Together, we are creating safe spaces where girls can learn, grow, and thrive with dignity. Spaces where their voices matter. Spaces where their futures are reimagined.

Join us on April 25–26 as we come together to amplify these voices and take meaningful steps toward empowering the next generation of women.