Kenya: Listen to #FormNiGani campaign song

#FormNiGani is driven by Kenyan creatives who use music, dance, poetry, comedy and visual arts to engage Kenyans in conversations about their future and the sexual and reproductive healthcare services available in the East African country.

Juliani told Music In Africa that many Kenyans lack access to information and professional advice on family planning.

“During the time of our parents, speaking publicly about sex or sexual health was considered taboo,” he said. “Today these conversations are held on social media, radio and TV. Despite that, a majority of the public is still uninformed.”

Juliani said art had always played a role to set the agenda among young poeple.

“We are hoping that we can reach out to the youth because they are the most vulnerable. They need to know that accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare is their right provided in the Kenyan Health Act, which guarantees Kenyan citizens the right to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable family planning services. But if they choose to be blind to it, they will be accountable for their mistakes in the future.”

According to a 2014 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics health report, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death and depression among adolescents. The report also says that many young people in need of reproductive health services may either shy away from seeking them or be denied access for a variety of reasons.

Juliani said it was for this reason that there was need to invest in youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, which would help to reduce teenage pregnancy and HIV infection rates. 

#FormNiGani kicked off at the end of last month with a photo exhibition that documented about 60 Kenyans from all walks of life talking about sex, reproductive health and family planning.