OYUGIS INTEGRATED PROJECT

The Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) continues to uphold its mission of serving vulnerable families through comprehensive home-based care, recognizing that prevention of disease is far more effective and sustainable than treatment. As part of its long-standing commitment to community health, OIP has intensified its outreach programs that focus on sanitation, hygiene, and safe water practices—critical pillars in reducing preventable illnesses within households. A report commissioned by SNV Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), titled Understanding the Effects of Poor Sanitation on Public Health, the Environment and Well-being , highlights the urgent need for stronger sanitation interventions in Homa Bay County. Conducted under the Voice for Change Partnership, the study revealed a disturbing link between the sources of household water and the prevalence of diarrhea among children. While the analysis found no association between infant feeding practices and childhood diarrhea, it...

  As an HIV mentor, I have walked the path of being an adolescent mentor and I am passionate about supporting young people living with HIV in their journey of living positively with the virus. Through my experience, I have learned the importance of empathy, understanding, and empowerment. As I navigate my own journey as a mentor, I have come to realize the great value of mentorship and support. My goal is to help others avoid isolation and feelings of being overwhelmed. In my life as a youth mentor, I aim to offer more peer support, provide accurate information to adolescents on HIV care and treatment, and empower all young people under HIV care to embrace positive living. I mentor in order to give back—to share helpful information with adolescents on how to live a fulfilling and positive life even while undergoing care and treatment. I focus on building confidence, promoting self-advocacy among adolescents and young people living with HIV (ATPHIV), and empathizing with the emoti...

At the heart of the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) is a commitment to restoring dignity and building sustainable livelihoods for all, especially the vulnerable members of our community. One such group is the elderly—grandparents who regularly visit OIP for support, encouragement, and community interaction. In a significant step toward long-term empowerment, OIP has recently launched a weekly savings initiative specifically tailored to these grandparents. The saving training, which began early this season, has started on a promising note. The grandparents have been grouped together and encouraged to save a small amount of money each week . The goal is simple yet powerful: to equip them with the financial ability to purchase certified seeds and fertilizer when the next planting season arrives. In many rural communities, especially those dependent on subsistence farming , one of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to quality farm inputs . Many families, particularly elderl...

In a bold and compassionate step towards empowering young girls and promoting gender equity in education, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) has officially launched a Reusable Sanitary Pads Department . This initiative seeks to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, while offering a sustainable solution to a challenge that continues to affect thousands of girls in Kenya and beyond. A Vision Rooted in Empowerment For years, OIP has worked at the grassroots level to uplift communities affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, and gender inequality. The introduction of the reusable sanitary pads department is yet another strategic intervention focused on long-term impact — helping school-going girls access menstrual hygiene products that are not only affordable but also environmentally friendly and durable. These reusable pads, made from soft, absorbent, and washable fabric, can last up to two years , making them a cost-effective and sustainable solution for menstrual hygiene man...

  As the new year begins, Shirikisho Dispensary's Home-Based Care (HBC) program has launched an ambitious HIV sensitization initiative targeting youths. This proactive approach comes in response to alarming statistics from 2024, which highlighted that Kenya has the seventh largest HIV burden globally. With 38% of all new adult HIV infections occurring among adolescents and young people aged 15–24 years, there is an urgent need for comprehensive awareness programs. Recognizing that schools offer a strategic platform to reach young people effectively, the HBC team has focused its efforts on educational institutions. Schools provide an environment where young individuals can be engaged collectively, allowing for interactive sessions and discussions on HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission, and treatment. The Need for Youth-Focused HIV Sensitization Kenya's national progress towards the 95–95–95 targets—standing at 96–>98–97—is commendable. However, the high infection rates among yo...

Shirikisho Crafts, a unique initiative under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), is transforming the lives of young women through skill acquisition, counseling, and spiritual guidance. This program is not only an avenue for vocational training but also a safe space where participants can address personal challenges and grow holistically. Every Friday, the students gather for group counseling sessions and spiritual guidance, creating an environment of mutual support and collective healing. These sessions, led by experienced counselors and spiritual mentors, focus on promoting mental well-being, fostering resilience, and cultivating a sense of purpose. The group setting encourages open dialogue, allowing the girls to share experiences and learn from one another. Beyond the group sessions, Shirikisho Crafts offers personalized one-on-one counseling available on any day of the week. This individualized approach ensures that every student receives the attention and care they need to naviga...