First Lady Rachel Ruto and Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga arrive at Mawego National Polytechnic in Homa Bay County during a mentorship and advocacy engagement with adolescents on August 26, 2026 . [Ministry of Health]
First Lady Rachel Ruto has said the fight against HIV, adolescent pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence, dubbed the triple threat, must move beyond warnings and statistics to protect children from risks.
Speaking at Mawego National Polytechnic in Homa Bay County during a mentorship and advocacy engagement with adolescents and young people, the First Lady said there was a need for stakeholders to work together to end the triple threat.
Mrs Ruto regretted that children, particularly adolescent girls, are often exposed to exploitation because of poverty, unsafe environments and adults who take advantage of their vulnerabilities.
“Teenage pregnancies, HIV and sexual and gender-based violence are still a serious challenge among our adolescents. We must treat the triple threat with the urgency it deserves to end it,” she said.
She described the reality facing a girl growing up in Homa Bay, where a boda boda rider may offer her a lift in exchange for sexual favours, an older man may lure her with money, or an adult known to her family may exploit her trust.
While children have repeatedly been warned about HIV and teenage pregnancy, she said many need more than lectures. They need adults who listen, protect and walk with them.
“The shift from talking at our children to sitting with them. From warning them to walking with them,” said Mrs Ruto. “Sometimes, our children do not need another warning. They need someone to walk with them.”