Using Grassroots Advocacy to Increase Utilization and Access to Youth Friendly Services: The KMET Experience

Introduction: Constitution of Kenya 2010 protects the rights of adolescent children to health care. The constitution also recognizes the right of every person to health including reproductive health, the right to equality and freedom from discrimination, the right to human dignity, the right to privacy, and the right to access to information.6 Despite these provisions under the law, there are a lot of barriers to access at the local level. Nearly 40% of all births in Kenya are unplanned, 47% of whom are adolescents. KMET recognized the special needs of adolescent and youth therefore adopting a grassroots advocacy project. Of key importance is the fact that it takes a lot more than having laws in place. The gate keepers at the grassroots also need to be brought on board regarding the existing laws. Grassroots advocates (youth advocates) aim to raise the level of awareness regarding certain causes and issues at the local level. Although the main purpose of these efforts is so that, the grassroots advocate, can influence public perception, regulations, or public policy such as legislation, these efforts have also seen the target group change their mindsets about FP and offered solutions to some of the issues experienced in terms of access. Method: The grassroots advocacy model is implemented by youth advocates. They have undergone training in advocacy. In addition KMET facilitates them to conduct grassroots advocacy within their communities. The main targets are: teachers; local administration; religious leaders and any other influential opinion leader within the community. Quarterly reviews are also conducted for purposes of peer reviews, adoption of best practices and tracking progress. Findings/results: There has been a lot of significant positive changes since the inception of grassroots advocacy. The following are some of the success stories.