Access to crucial family planning plus contraception information and services will no longer be a challenge to Kenyan families thanks to Chaguo Mkononi Campaign launched today by Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK), in partnership with the Ministry of Health- Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health (MOH-DRMH) and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
In a move to address the interconnectedness between reproductive health autonomy, individual empowerment, and societal advancement, the three organizations have embarked on a journey towards ensuring universal access to family planning and contraception services.
Partners present at the launch included representatives from the Ministry of Health, civil society organizations, healthcare and professional institutions, academia and media. Their collective presence underscores the collaborative effort and shared commitment to advancing reproductive health rights and empowerment in Kenya.
“We want to address persistent challenges surrounding unmet demand for family planning and contraception services which significantly impact reproductive health outcomes, socio-economic development, and individual empowerment, said Nelly Munyasia the Executive Director at RHN-K.
Through strategic advocacy, education and community engagement, the Director General, Ministry of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth described the campaign as a great initiative that will dismantle barriers and provide comprehensive access to family planning and contraception services for all women.
In our journey towards Universal Health Coverage, our commitment remains that we shall leave no one behind; at the ministry, we see family planning not just as a cost factor but service delivery. Because of the multiplying effect of investment in family planning, this is a very important investment to spur economic growth,” narrated Dr Amoth.
Chaguo Mkononi a Kiswahili phrase which loosely translates to “The Choice in Your Hands,” is grounded in the principles of reproductive health autonomy, empowerment and gender equality, the campaign aims to empower women, to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
The launch happened at Four Points by Sheraton, Hurlingham today, bringing together key stakeholders and partners in reproductive health dedicated to revolutionizing access to family planning and contraception services across Kenya.
Dr. Edward Serem who heads the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health at the Ministry of Health, said the campaign will also focus on the promotion of self- injectable contraception, particularly DMPA-SC (Subcutaneous Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate), “as a viable and empowering option and solution for women seeking reproductive health solutions. By emphasizing self-care interventions and the importance of informed decision-making, the campaign aims to foster autonomy, agency, and empowerment among women and girls throughout Kenya.”
As part of the launch event, RHNK also expanded its toll-free hotline, Nena na Binti Call Center, which translates to “Talk to a Girl.”
This digital intervention serves as a dedicated resource hub, offering unrestricted access to life-saving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and support, free of stigma and discrimination. Through the call center, individuals can access information on family planning, referrals for contraception services, as well as legal and psychosocial support.
The Chaguo Mkononi Campaign and the Nena na Binti Call Center are set to play transformative roles in advancing reproductive health autonomy, gender equality, and socio-economic development in Kenya. By empowering women with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, the campaign seeks to create a future where every woman can lead a healthy, fulfilling, and empowered life.
The campaign’s Call to Action is to Empower women through education to allow them make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Conduct community-based education programs to increase awareness and understanding of family planning options and to disseminate accurate information and dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning. The campaign also seeks to Mobilize stakeholders to advocate for prioritization and support family planning and contraception initiatives at both national and local levels. This includes increased funding, improved infrastructure, and the integration of self-injectable family planning into existing healthcare systems.
About Reproductive Health Network Kenya
The Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Kenya. RHNK works tirelessly to advance access to comprehensive SRHR information and services, advocate for policy reform, and empower individuals, particularly women and girls, to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.