Njoro Sub-county in Nakuru County is grappling with a troubling rise in youth-related health challenges with an alarming spike in HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The latest figures from the Department of Health reveal that the Sub-county’s health threat commonly referred to as the ‘Triple Threat’ is above the average percentage for the whole county.
Deputy Governor David Kones revealed that Nakuru County’s average teenage pregnancy rate stands at 13 percent, while Njoro’s rate is significantly higher at 21 percent, with over 1,400 cases reported.
Speaking at the launch of a Youth Empowerment Centre at Njoro Hospital, Kones pointed out that the highest rates were recorded in Mauche Ward at 21 percent, Mau Narok at 20 percent, Nessuit at 19 percent, and Kihingo at 15 percent.
In comparison, 11 other sub-counties in Nakuru had much lower figures: Gilgil (417 cases), Kuresoi North (809), Kuresoi South (1,010), Molo (705), Naivasha (1,145), Nakuru East (683), Nakuru West (795), Rongai (658), and Subukia (315).
Kones also expressed concern over the low uptake of family planning among youth, with only 20 percent of individuals aged 10 to 19 in Njoro accessing family planning services, compared to the county’s average of 45 percent.
In terms of HIV positivity rate, Njoro stood 0.6 percent higher than Nakuru County’s average of 0.4 percent as of January 2025 for the same age group.
Data from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) shows a rise in HIV infections in Nakuru, from 58,000 in 2023 to 65,149 in 2024.
“Njoro serves a catchment population of 280,897, with 33 percent aged between 10 to 24. Without creating a youth-friendly area within the hospital, we will not make the youths safe or healthy,” he said.
To curb the surge, the Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW) and DSW organisation in conjunction with Nakuru county, launched a youth hub to offer services such as antenatal and postnatal care for teenage mothers, HIV testing and counselling, abstinence and contraception education, as well as cancer screenings and pregnancy tests.
The Chief Programme Officer at DSW Germany, Angela Bahr, explained that the organisation is focused on improving sexual and reproductive health rights for young people.
She added that the hub and support program, running for three years, aim to provide youth with access to essential health services and information.
Executive Director of YSW, Evelyn Samba, disclosed that the organisation operates in 15 counties, working with youths aged 10 to 24, though its impact has extended to 27 counties.
Nakuru County Director of Medical Services, Dr. Daniel Wainaina noted that Njoro faces unique challenges due to its rural nature with early pregnancies exacerbated by the presence of institutions such as Egerton University and local polytechnics filled with young people.
