Ongoing Projects
BREAKING THE SILENCE
At Positive Life Kenya, we are committed to empowering youth through the "Breaking the Silence Phase II" project, a critical initiative aimed at strengthening Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) while fostering sustainable community structures through active civic engagement. Building on the achievements of our earlier CISU-funded project, this phase focuses on equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their SRHR and engage in civic activities that impact their lives. We provide life skills education and create supportive environments where youth can discuss the challenges they face, make informed decisions, and navigate their reproductive health with greater awareness. The urgency of this work cannot be overstated. In 2020, adolescents aged 10-19 accounted for 15% of all new HIV infections, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive SRHR education. By continuing to empower youth through education and civic engagement, we aim to break down barriers, improve reproductive health outcomes, and support young people in shaping healthier futures for themselves and their communities. Recognizing Kenya’s significant youth bulge, where over half the population is under 35, our project seeks to harness this demographic potential by offering a non-judgmental, safe space for youth expression. Through peer-to-peer engagement and youth-led advocacy, we ensure that young people are at the forefront of decisions affecting their health, well-being, and future, firmly believing in the principle of "Nothing for us without us."
Beyond HIV: Breaking Cycles of Poverty and Inequality Through Health, Rights, and Opportunities
Funded by the Stephen Lewis Foundation
Positive Life Kenya (PLK) has been at the forefront of supporting HIV-positive community members and their families in Mlolongo, a transit town near Nairobi, for over a decade. Mlolongo’s rapid growth has led to the proliferation of slums, crime, substance abuse, human trafficking, and commercial sex work, increasing vulnerability to HIV and related challenges.
In response, PLK, with long-term funding from the Stephen Lewis Foundation, has expanded its efforts beyond HIV care. The organization integrates harm reduction strategies, feeding programs, and community health initiatives. It empowers women through vocational training, microfinance, and social work interventions, offering alternatives to risky livelihoods. PLK also supports grandmothers in the region's slums, providing financial aid, counseling, and social networks to ease their caregiving burden. Additionally, PLK runs advocacy programs to address stigma and improve access to healthcare services for marginalized groups.
By tackling poverty, health disparities, and social exclusion, PLK works to create sustainable change in Mlolongo, ensuring families thrive in a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable environment.
Past Projects
HEAR OUR VOICE
Family Strengthening & Care Reform Pilot ( 2022-2023)
MADE BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN
In partnership with 100% for Children | Funded by CISU - CIVILSAMFUND I UDVIKLING
This project empowered young people especially women in Machakos County to participate in civic and political processes with a focus on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Implemented before and during the 2022 General Elections, it worked to:
- Increa
In partnership with 100% for Children | Funded by CISU - CIVILSAMFUND I UDVIKLING
This project empowered young people especially women in Machakos County to participate in civic and political processes with a focus on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Implemented before and during the 2022 General Elections, it worked to:
- Increase voter participation among young women.
- Ensure safety at election polls.
- Hold leaders accountable for SRHR policies.
Through civic education and conflict resolution training, the initiative strengthened young women’s visibility in elections, built a culture of rights mobilization, and inspired youth-led activism for gender equality and SRHR.
MADE BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN
Family Strengthening & Care Reform Pilot ( 2022-2023)
MADE BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN
In partnership with 100% for the Children | Funded by CISU - CIVILSAMFUND I UDVIKLING
This initiative empowered vulnerable women and adolescent girls in Machakos County by strengthening Positive Life Kenya’s female entrepreneurship program. Launched in response to the economic challenges of COVID-19, the project fostered female-led econom
In partnership with 100% for the Children | Funded by CISU - CIVILSAMFUND I UDVIKLING
This initiative empowered vulnerable women and adolescent girls in Machakos County by strengthening Positive Life Kenya’s female entrepreneurship program. Launched in response to the economic challenges of COVID-19, the project fostered female-led economic activities, health awareness, and social justice.
Key highlights:
- 50 women trained to produce biodegradable menstrual cup bags for international markets.
- HEVEA menstrual cups introduced, paired with education on health and hygiene.
- 500 adolescent girls and 150 women engaged in educational activities.
- Knowledge sharing with partners promoted economic resilience, responsible environmental practices, and social justice.
The project not only created income-generating opportunities but also advanced gender equality and sustainable community development.
Family Strengthening & Care Reform Pilot ( 2022-2023)
Family Strengthening & Care Reform Pilot ( 2022-2023)
Women’s Economic Empowerment in Mlolongo Slums (2021–2022)
In partnership with 100% for the Children and SOS Children’s Villages Kenya | Funded by CISU – Civilsamfund i Udvikling
In Machakos County, many children face separation from their families due to poverty, neglect, or HIV/AIDS-related stigma. This 15-month pilot project set out to strengthen families, support street-connected children, a
In partnership with 100% for the Children and SOS Children’s Villages Kenya | Funded by CISU – Civilsamfund i Udvikling
In Machakos County, many children face separation from their families due to poverty, neglect, or HIV/AIDS-related stigma. This 15-month pilot project set out to strengthen families, support street-connected children, and reduce reliance on institutional care.
Key highlights:
- 75 vulnerable families and 50 street-connected children supported through family groups, peer-to-peer SRHR outreach, and community awareness.
- PLK staff trained on care reforms and de-institutionalisation, building long-term capacity.
- Advocacy efforts promoted sustainable alternatives to institutionalisation.
By combining family strengthening, capacity building, and advocacy, the project laid a foundation for systemic change keeping children safe within families, not institutions.
Women’s Economic Empowerment in Mlolongo Slums (2021–2022)
Women’s Economic Empowerment in Mlolongo Slums (2021–2022)
Women’s Economic Empowerment in Mlolongo Slums (2021–2022)
Supported by the French Embassy in Kenya through the PISCCA Fund
Mlolongo, a busy highway town in Machakos County, is home to many women who, driven by poverty and lack of opportunities, turn to sex work to survive. This places them at high risk of HIV/AIDS, with truck drivers in the area showing a prevalence rate of around 25%.
To restor
Supported by the French Embassy in Kenya through the PISCCA Fund
Mlolongo, a busy highway town in Machakos County, is home to many women who, driven by poverty and lack of opportunities, turn to sex work to survive. This places them at high risk of HIV/AIDS, with truck drivers in the area showing a prevalence rate of around 25%.
To restore dignity and create sustainable alternatives, Positive Life Kenya implemented a one-year project equipping women with entrepreneurship, vocational, and microfinance skills.
Key highlights:
- 75 women supported to launch their own businesses.
- 50 women now generating sustainable incomes through tailoring and beadwork.
- 4 sewing machines provided to support training and production.
- 5+ microfinance groups formed, enabling savings and small loans.
- Reduced reliance on sex work, lowered vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.
- Improved dignity, resilience, and future opportunities for women and their families.
This initiative not only transformed individual lives but also proved that with the right opportunities, women can thrive and lead healthier, empowered lives.
Poetic Program for Teenage and Young Mothers (2020)
Women’s Economic Empowerment in Mlolongo Slums (2021–2022)
Poetic Program for Teenage and Young Mothers (2020)
In partnership with 100% for the Children | Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (Danida)
Teenage and young mothers often face stigma, isolation, and the heavy responsibilities of early motherhood. The Poetic Program created a safe and supportive space where they could express themselves through poetry and spoken word.
Thro
In partnership with 100% for the Children | Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (Danida)
Teenage and young mothers often face stigma, isolation, and the heavy responsibilities of early motherhood. The Poetic Program created a safe and supportive space where they could express themselves through poetry and spoken word.
Through creative expression, participants were able to:
- Process their experiences and emotions.
- Share their stories in a safe, supportive environment.
- Build confidence and self-worth despite the challenges of early motherhood.
This initiative highlighted how storytelling and art can serve as powerful tools for healing, empowerment, and community connection.
