With a population of approximately 50 million people, and a significant number living in cities, the Kenyan government has to intentionally factor in security and inclusivity in the current and future planning and design of the nation. This is underpinned by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, as well as a number of regional and international agreements that Kenya is part of.
Major cities can pose various dangers, especially for girls and young women, and this can make it difficult for them to access and constitutionally enjoy their sexual and reproductive health services.
For example, girls and young women are often faced with the danger of prowling sexual assaulters in what they may consider as the safety of their estates or residences when they walk alone at night, or as they use public transportation.
Aside from being traumatic experiences, these can make it difficult for them to get to clinics or hospitals. With the knowledge of gaps in the national insurance coupled with a relatively strained economy, seeking corrective health services may be expensive, which then makes it difficult for them to get the correct information and support they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
In a number of ways, cities can be made safer and more inclusive for girls and young women by design. First, the presence of law enforcement in high-crime areas through police and functional justice systems is important in safeguarding their rights.
This ensures that crimes, especially sexual crimes, are punishable and reducible, and violators do not continue existing in the society in which they commit their crimes.
This would be supported by the provision of adequate lighting in public areas to ward off sexual predators and increase surveillance, which also makes it easier for girls and young women to see potential dangers, and it can also make them feel more visible and less vulnerable.
In addition to designing and planning to make cities safer, it is equally important to provide sexual and reproductive health services in relevant institutions within the cities, especially the ones frequented and accessible by young people.
This includes providing access to contraception, abortion services, and HIV testing and treatment. It is also important to provide education about sexual and reproductive health so that women and girls can make informed decisions about their bodies.
By making cities safer and providing access to sexual and reproductive health services, we can help to improve the lives of girls and young women in Kenya.
Socially, these would lead to better economic productivity through increased citizen participation, reduced poverty brought about by a healthy and safe workforce, and improved national health outcomes through reduced numbers of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections
Making cities safer for sexual and reproductive health is an investment for the future of Kenya. By investing in the safety and health of girls and young women, we can help to create a more inclusive and equitable society for us all.
