There is a need for concerted effort at the community level in ensuring legal framework towards realization of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in counties.
According to KELIN Kenya- a Non-governmental organization working on matters Health and Rights,despite the rights being highlighted in the Constitution of Kenya, women and girls have continued to suffer in communities.
Speaking in Nakuru on Friday during a community stakeholders’ meeting on the Nakuru County Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill 2019 that is before the county assembly, Human Rights Lawyer Linda Kroeger from KELIN Kenya says communities are key in policy formation.
Kroeger noted that the Bill will go a long way in addressing challenges facing women and girls in Nakuru County.
She said the decisions should be informed by the inputs of the residents of Nakuru concerning matters Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
“We need to equip our communities to know their rights, have information and to articulate issues so that we can move forward” said the Human Rights Lawyer.
Despite the Nakuru County Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill 2019 being withdrawn last year, KELIN Kenya maintains that through collaboration with Kenya Medical Association, and community they will push to see to it that it sails through.
Programs Officer at Reproductive Health, Youth Friendly Environment (RHYFE) Mr. Martin Lunalo says some of the MCAs had not been taken through the Bill.
He is however optimistic that with the community-centered approach, then the Bill will sail through.
“The Bill was withdrawn last year due to some issues but we have now taken another approach to ensure the community and all stakeholders are enlightened on the Bill” said Lunalo.
Lunalo once again telling off those who have been against the Bill equating it to be advancing abortion.
He says the Nakuru County Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill 2019 is all about ensuring access to information as well as services on matters Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
“The notion that the Bill is advocating for abortion is neither here nor there. This is a Bill that is aimed to ensure Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights” he said.