Rachel Ruto calls for urgent action to protect adolescents from HIV
By Kiprono Keileb, September 12, 2025First Lady Rachel Ruto has sounded the alarm over the rising dangers facing young people in Kenya, calling for urgent action to protect them from what she described as a “triple threat.”
Rachel Ruto, speaking after meeting stakeholders at State House on Thursday, September 11, 2025, said the country cannot afford to turn a blind eye as adolescents continue to face HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence.
“The triple threat of HIV, teenage pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence demands our collective and urgent action,” she said.
Watch: Rachel Ruto urges EALA to accelerate women’s economic empowerment legislation
Her statement came as leaders from the Ministry of Health, county governments, and development partners gathered at State House to discuss how to close the gaps that leave adolescents vulnerable. She noted that the government has already trained thousands of community health promoters who can play a vital role in reaching young people with the right information and care.
“This afternoon at State House, we convened stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, County Governments, and development partners to address existing gaps and harness the expertise of trained community health promoters, ensuring every adolescent is protected from the triple threat,” she added.
The weight of the crisis
Her call highlights a painful reality in many communities across the country. Families are struggling to keep teenagers safe as cases of sexual exploitation and early pregnancies continue to rise. At the same time, HIV infections remain a silent burden, with stigma keeping many from seeking help.
Rachel Ruto’s words reflect the concern of many parents who fear their children may lose their future before it even begins. The plea for urgent action speaks to the need for stronger community support systems, more awareness campaigns, and safe spaces where young people can find guidance and protection.
Collective responsibility
By putting the issue at the centre of national attention, the First Lady is urging not just government and organisations, but also families and communities, to be part of the solution. Protecting adolescents from these threats requires more than policy; it calls for compassion, vigilance, and shared responsibility.
Her statement at State House is both a warning and a call to hope: that by acting together, Kenya can shield its youth from harm and allow them to grow, thrive, and dream without fear.