Since 1988, Pathfinder International has proudly partnered with Kenyatta University (KU) to advance reproductive health programmes aimed at fostering responsible sexual behaviour among students and the surrounding community. This transformative initiative addresses key issues such as unintended pregnancies through innovative peer-to-peer counselling strategies.
Dr. Tabinda Sarosh, CEO, and Dr. Pamela Onduso, Country Director and Global Advocacy Lead, visited Kenyatta University to assess the progress of this vital programme. Pathfinder International has played a pivotal role in empowering peer counsellors in their mission to support their peers. In 2017, a publication highlighted the impact of these efforts, and Dr. Gabriel Waari, Director, University Health Services suggested that a follow-up publication is essential to capture the programme's evolution over the past seven years.
Pathfinder sponsors incubation talks for peer counsellors and provides comprehensive training to ensure their continued success after graduation. The Kenyatta University Management Board has been an unwavering supporter of this programme, facilitating partnership and collaboration initiatives with Pathfinder International.
To enhance engagement, the team at Kenyatta University is advancing digital services that promote anonymity and accessibility. Additionally, they have established a club focused on addressing mental health issues, particularly for those coping with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic along with these hard economic times. Further research has been proposed to enhance synergy and generate data that can inform public advocacy and policy.
Both Pathfinder International and Kenyatta University remain committed to discovering new avenues for connecting individuals with life-changing opportunities while addressing the pressing issue of climate change. Kenyatta University has set a benchmark in this field, inspiring other institutions, including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Makerere University, to seek training and benchmarking opportunities to replicate this successful programme.