Center for Reproductive Rights Africa

For over 30 years, the Center for Reproductive Rights has used the power of law to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights around the world.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Today, the High Court of Kenya delivered its judgment in Petition E490 of 2025, protecting adolescents engaged in consensual, non-coercive and non-exploitative peer sexual relationships from arrests and prosecutions.

The Court:
➡️Directed investigative, prosecutorial and enforcement agencies to distinguish consensual adolescent peer relationships from exploitative or abusive conduct.
➡️Stopped the criminal proceedings against minors charged with defilement for engaging in peer sexual relations.
➡️Ordered relevant agencies in health, education, and child protection to ensure adolescents can access sexual and reproductive health information and services without fear of criminalization.

This is a major win for adolescent rights in Kenya and we continue to advocate for their protection.

#AdolescentRights #ReproductiveJustice #Kenya #ASRHR

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

While the law must protect children from abuse and exploitation, it should not punish adolescents for normal peer relationships or push them away from care, information, and support.

#srhr

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Legal uncertainty should never stand between people and essential healthcare.

In this episode of the @SRHMJournal @Konyango_Martin our Associate Director, Africa Legal Strategies, reflects on the implications of the Court of Appeal decision and why legal clarity is essential for protecting access to reproductive healthcare and upholding constitutional rights.

Listen to the full episode here: https://t.co/zh7arArVEu

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

An estimated 2,600 women and girls die from unsafe abortion in Kenya each year—a preventable tragedy often driven by barriers to accessing timely, quality and lawful reproductive healthcare.

Protecting access to essential healthcare is not just a public health priority; it is a matter of dignity, equality and the right to health.

[Reproductive Health Network Kenya @rhnkorg]

Access to maternal healthcare is not a privilege—it is a right. The Government of Kenya’s commitment to expanding free maternity services for adolescent mothers is a timely step towards ensuring that no young mother is denied care because of financial barriers. As Africa continues to address the challenges of adolescent pregnancy and maternal health, investments in youth-responsive healthcare systems remain critical.

This conversation echoed throughout the 9th RHNK Pan-African Adolescent & Youth SRHR Scientific Conference 2026, where delegates from across the continent emphasized the need for sustainable financing, equitable access to services, and policies that place adolescents and young people at the center of health and development agendas.

📰 Featured article by Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC): “Ministry of Health: Free Teen Maternity Care Damage Control.”

Read more here: https://t.co/VFPfxlbGKN

#RHNKPanAfricanConference2026

[Lucas kalama fondo @lucas_fondo]

Experts warn that civic space is tightening and funding is shrinking as Africa grapples with a growing adolescent sexual and reproductive health crisis.
Teenage pregnancy, HIV, and maternal mortality remain major barriers for young people.
Time for bold leadership and investment

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

The call is clear: align the penal laws with the constitution of Kenya.

Until then, providers and the women they serve remain at risk of arrest for exercising a constitutional right.

#EndAbortionCriminalization #AdolescentSRHR #Kenya #ReproRights

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

At the 9th #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 side event, healthcare providers, legal and policy experts came together to name the forces threatening SRHR access in Kenya and across Africa.

Here is what they said and why it matters. Thread🧵

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

And on the ground, providers are already navigating all of this alone.

When providers don't know others are legally and safely delivering SRHR services, fear becomes the default.

[Reproductive Health Network Kenya @rhnkorg]

Throughout the 9th RHNK Pan-African Adolescent & Youth SRHR Scientific Conference 2026, speakers, advocates, youth,researchers and leaders from across Africa shared insights, experiences and calls to action that continue to shape the conversation on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Take a moment to reflect on these insights and tell us: which quote resonates most with you, and why?

#RHNKPanAfricanConference2026

[@Youthchaperonug @youthchaperonug]

For young people, reproductive rights are not theoretical or ideological; they are lived experiences that shape health, safety, and futures.When rights are respected, young people access information, care & opportunities to thrive across the world. #SRHR #YouthRights @AAAZambia1

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Day 3 of the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 was buzzing with energy.

From engaging sessions and insightful conversations at the booth to meaningful exchanges with partners and advocates, the day was filled with opportunities to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents across Africa.

As we head into the final day, we are excited to continue to champion and defend adolescents' reproductive health and rights.

@rhnkorg

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Sustained funding is essential to fully protect and safeguard adolescents.

#RHNKPanAfricanConference2026

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Anti-rights movements are evolving, but so must our actions. Today’s panel at the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 explored the laws, policies and actions needed to protect adolescents’ and young people’s access to reproductive health services.

A few key takeaways from the panelists👇🏾

[Reproductive Health Network Kenya @rhnkorg]

Vijana hoyeee!!!

From leading sessions to sharing evidence, facilitating dialogue, documenting key moments, and driving engagement on and offline, youth at #RHNKpanAfricanConferenve2026 are showing what meaningful participation looks like when space is intentionally created and respected.

[@Youthchaperonug @youthchaperonug]

It’s #Day3 of the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 and we continue reflecting on the shared commitment to advancing youth agency, strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights, and creating inclusive spaces where young people can meaningfully shape Africa’s Future.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Day 3 at the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026.

Join us at the booth for lots of fun games, informative content and meaningful conversations, all happening in the space.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Join us tomorrow for fun games, powerful discussions and more.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Day 2 at #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026.

Our booth was a hub of connection today. Young people, healthcare providers, lawyers, SRHR advocates and government officials all coming together to discuss real issues.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Key topics dominating the conversations:

➡️Hearing about the real barriers young people face when trying to access reproductive health services and information.

➡️Conversations around bridging gaps and engaging in partnerships with different stakeholders.

➡️The importance of advancing youth agency and legal frameworks that protect and support access to adolescent SRHR.