Strengthening Access to Sexual Reproductive Health Services and Information & Awareness

Through the Integrated Community Health Programme (ICHP), the programme continued strengthening community knowledge of essential health services and promoting informed healthcare-seeking practices.

Between July and September 2026, 16 community dialogues were conducted across 16 villages, reaching 977 community members (629 women and 348 men). Discussions covered sexual and reproductive health, family planning, maternal and child health, antenatal and postnatal care, immunisation, nutrition, STI prevention, gender-based violence (GBV), child protection and early marriage.

The sessions also addressed barriers affecting access to healthcare, including long distances to health facilities, cultural beliefs, limited health information and financial constraints. Pre- and post-dialogue assessments helped identify knowledge gaps, address misconceptions and strengthen awareness of available health services and referral pathways.

Going forward, ICHP will strengthen linkages between Community Health Promoters and health facilities, alongside referral and follow-up mechanisms, community health education and ownership of local health programmes.

Empowering Adolescents Through ASRHR Education and Peer Mentorship

The programme continued investing in adolescent health through Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) training and peer mentorship initiatives.

A review and planning meeting with 24 peer mentors in July provided an opportunity to assess progress, share experiences and identify priorities for subsequent youth-focused activities.

Five village-based ASRHR training sessions were conducted in Olaburra, Olare Owang, Enkereri, Ngila and Ntulele, reaching 270 adolescents (143 girls and 127 boys). The sessions provided information on sexual and reproductive health and created opportunities for adolescents to discuss issues affecting their health and wellbeing.

To expand the peer support network, 19 new peer mentors from Ntulele, Saparingo, Nadaare, Oloobokishi, Enarau and Nkoilale were trained. Key topics included ASRHR, life skills, healthy relationships, GBV, FGM, teenage pregnancy, STI/HIV prevention and referral pathways.

International Youth Day was also commemorated in Nkoisuash, Narok West, bringing together 316 participants. The event featured health education sessions, stakeholder engagement, peer mentor plays and interactive activities promoting youth leadership, health awareness, partnerships and meaningful participation.

Together, these activities strengthened access to accurate ASRHR information, expanded peer support networks and created opportunities for adolescents and young people to engage with health services.

Supporting Young Mothers Through Maternal and Child Health Education

The programme continued supporting young mothers through targeted maternal and child health education, equipping them with practical knowledge and skills to promote healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth and positive parenting.

In July, the Mama Fair brought together 22 pregnant young mothers in Talek, through a collaboration between ICHP and Community Health Partners (CHPs). The activity provided a supportive platform for young mothers to learn about healthy pregnancy, safe delivery and newborn care.

Healthcare providers facilitated sessions on antenatal care, maternal nutrition, birth preparedness, pregnancy danger signs, skilled birth attendance, newborn care, exclusive breastfeeding, postnatal care, postpartum family planning and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Participants also had opportunities to ask questions, share experiences and receive guidance from healthcare providers.

Beyond the Mama Fair, Young Mothers Training sessions were conducted across 24 villages, reaching 358 young mothers during the quarter. The sessions covered breastfeeding, complementary feeding, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, STI prevention, childhood illnesses, hygiene, child development, GBV prevention and referral pathways.

Practical activities, including toy-making, were incorporated to encourage learning and strengthen positive parenting practices. Discussions also explored climate-related health risks affecting mothers and children.

Through these initiatives, young mothers gained practical information and skills to support their own wellbeing, improve childcare practices and promote healthier families.

Community Voices: Stories of Change Through ICHP

From Cultural Belief to Championing Change

Oloodo's Story – Saparingo Village

Name changed to protect identity.

For many years, Oloodo held strong beliefs about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), viewing it as an important cultural requirement for marriage and acceptance within his community. Like many men who grew up with these beliefs, he considered the practice part of maintaining cultural identity.

His perspective began to change after participating in community dialogues facilitated by the Integrated Community Health Programme (ICHP). Through discussions with health workers, community members and other stakeholders, he gained a better understanding of the health risks and long-term consequences associated with FGM.

He shares:

“For many years, I strongly believed that Female Genital Mutilation was an important part of our culture. I was among the men in my community who believed that a man could not marry a girl who had not undergone FGM.

My perspective began to change after I attended several community dialogues facilitated by the Integrated Community Health Programme. Through these discussions, I listened to health workers, community members and other stakeholders explain the health risks and long-term consequences associated with FGM.

The information challenged the beliefs I had held for many years. I began to understand that some cultural practices can be harmful and that protecting the health and wellbeing of our girls should come before traditions that put their lives at risk.

Today, I have changed my position completely. I no longer believe that a girl must undergo FGM to be accepted, respected or considered suitable for marriage. I now speak with other men and community members about the importance of protecting girls from FGM and encouraging positive cultural practices.

The community dialogues gave me an opportunity to listen, learn and question beliefs I had taken for granted. I have learned that change is possible when communities are given the right information and a safe space to discuss difficult cultural issues. I now believe that protecting our daughters is more important than maintaining a harmful tradition.”

Oloodo's journey demonstrates the importance of engaging men in conversations about harmful practices and promoting positive cultural change. By sharing his changed perspective with others, he is helping challenge long-held beliefs and encouraging greater community responsibility for protecting girls.

His story reflects how sustained dialogue, accurate health information, and community engagement can influence attitudes and inspire individuals to become advocates for change.

WASH: Strengthening Community Sanitation and Hygiene Practices

During the third quarter of 2026, the programme continued promoting improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices across communities in the Maasai Mara through community training, school-based initiatives and water governance support.

Community WASH training and dialogue sessions were conducted in Kimani, Orkarkar, Nkaimurrunya and Nkoisuash villages, reaching 270 community members (187 women and 83 men). The sessions focused on household toilet construction, handwashing, waste management and sustainable hygiene practices.

A pre-training assessment revealed existing sanitation gaps, with 78 participants reporting access to functional household toilets, while only 29 had handwashing stations. Through practical demonstrations, group discussions and question-and-answer sessions, participants explored contamination pathways, waste management and practical ways to improve household and community hygiene. Post-training assessments indicated that 98% of participants demonstrated improved knowledge and skills in sustainable WASH practices.

Through the Mara Champion Clubs, WASH in Schools (WinS) training was also conducted across 19 schools, reaching 1,317 learners (636 boys and 681 girls). The sessions covered personal hygiene, water safety, sanitation, latrine use and maintenance, menstrual hygiene management and waste management. The initiative encouraged learners to adopt good hygiene practices and become advocates for improved sanitation within their schools and communities.

To strengthen the sustainability of community water projects, 28 water project committee members and kiosk attendants from Ngila, Enooronkon, Orkarkar, Nkirgir, Kirok, Orkuroto and Oloosokon participated in leadership, governance and financial management training at G&G Hotel in Talek. The training focused on leadership responsibilities, transparency, accountability and effective management of community water projects.

Advancing Community-Led Total Sanitation

The programme continued supporting communities towards Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status through Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) follow-up activities in Ngila, Oloosokon, Kirok and Laleta villages.

Seven follow-up activities assessed progress in household latrine construction and community readiness for ODF declarations. During the quarter, 31 new household toilets were completed, with another 17 under construction.

The Narok West Sub-County Public Health Office also conducted ODF verification in five villages: Olesere, Nkirgir, Olemoncho A, Olemoncho B and Oloosokon. The exercise assessed sanitation facilities, handwashing stations, household hygiene practices and environmental cleanliness, reaching 660 households.

Four villages—Nkirgir, Olesere, Olemoncho A and Olemoncho B—successfully met the verification requirements and were recommended for certification. Oloosokon requires further follow-up to meet all the required standards.

A notable milestone was the Olesere ODF recognition event, which celebrated the village's achievement of 100% household toilet coverage. When the village was first triggered in October 2025, only 38 of its 198 households had toilets. Through sustained mobilisation by the area chief, village elders, Community Health Promoter (CHP), community members and programme team, all 198 households had constructed toilets by the end of January 2026.

The recognition event brought together programme donors and community stakeholders to celebrate this achievement and acknowledge the collective efforts behind it. The programme will continue supporting community monitoring and follow-up as Olesere awaits official ODF certification from the County Ministry of Health.

Community Voices: Stories of Change Through WASH

Strengthening Community Ownership of Water Projects

Simon Noosaron – Treasurer, Kirok Water Project Committee

Serving as Treasurer of the Kirok Water Project Committee has given Simon Noosaron an opportunity to witness how access to water, community education and effective leadership can contribute to positive change.

Through the WASH programme, Simon has experienced the impact of community hygiene training, the construction of a rainwater harvesting project and continued capacity building for water project committee members.

He shares:

“The WASH training has helped our community understand the importance of sustainable WASH practices. I have seen a positive change in how community members understand and adopt better hygiene and sanitation practices. The training has helped us realise that sustainable WASH practices require continuous learning and commitment from the community.

The rainwater harvesting project has also made a big difference in our community. It has improved access to water for households and reduced some of the challenges people previously faced in accessing water. Beyond providing water, the project has also helped strengthen our committee.

Through the leadership, governance and financial management training, we have come to understand ourselves as leaders with a responsibility to manage and safeguard the project for the benefit of our community.

The regular monthly committee meetings, supported by the programme team, have also been important. They allow us to review the project, discuss challenges and agree on actions. These engagements and trainings have increased our commitment to governing the project and taking ownership of its sustainability.

For me, the greatest change is that the project has not only improved access to water but has also strengthened our capacity as community leaders to manage and sustain a project that serves our community.”

Simon encourages water project committees to prioritise accountability, collective responsibility and good governance, noting that strong leadership and unity are essential to protecting community investments and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

His experience demonstrates that sustainable water access requires more than infrastructure. It also depends on empowered community leaders who can manage, protect and sustain projects for the benefit of everyone.

A Journey Towards Open Defecation-Free Communities

Noormejooli Kapeen – Oloosokon Village

For Noormejooli Kapeen, a resident of Oloosokon Village, the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programme has brought a significant change in how she understands and practises household sanitation and hygiene.

Before participating in community WASH training, her household did not have a toilet, and she considered open defecation a normal practice within her community. Through awareness sessions and continued community follow-ups, she learned about the health risks associated with poor sanitation and the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

She shares:

“Before the CLTS training, I did not understand how poor sanitation could affect the health of my family. We did not have a toilet at home, and I thought that was normal because it was how many people in our community lived. The training helped me understand the dangers of open defecation and the importance of keeping our environment clean.

After attending the WASH training, I decided to build a toilet for my family. It was one of the best decisions I have made because we now have a safe and clean place to use. We also practise regular handwashing and keep our compound clean.

The training also gave me the confidence to encourage my neighbours to build and use toilets. I tell them that good sanitation protects our families from disease and creates a healthier community. I am happy to see more households embracing these changes, and I look forward to the day when our village is officially declared Open Defecation-Free.”

Oloosokon continues working towards Open Defecation-Free status, with only a few households remaining to achieve full sanitation coverage. Through CLTS, households are increasingly adopting improved sanitation and hygiene practices, demonstrating growing community ownership.

Noormejooli's experience illustrates how access to information, combined with household action and community mobilisation, can contribute to lasting sanitation improvements.