Local Authorities Take Charge of Highly Successful Kenyan Youth Healthcare Scheme
Mombasa, 30 September 2026
Following a successful four-year initiative that reduced youth depression by 20 per cent, MSF has officially handed its Mombasa healthcare project over to local government authorities.
Where and How to Access the Services
Young people in Mombasa can access these free, specialised medical services at three local clinics: the Bamburi, Junda, and Ganjoni dispensaries [1]. Following the official handover of the Youth Friendly Services (YFS) project to the Mombasa County Department of Health on 29 September 2026, these local government clinics are now fully responsible for providing care [1]. To receive support, young residents can walk directly into any of these three dispensaries during their normal clinic operating hours [1].
A Proven Record of Medical Support
Over its four-year run from 2022 to 2026, the project successfully delivered a total of 100678 consultations, which includes 72,480 clinic-based visits and 28,198 consultations conducted through mobile outreach and community clinics [1]. Because the local Kenyan government has now assumed full management of the program, there is no closing deadline for youth seeking to use these services; they are integrated directly into the county’s public health system to ensure long-term availability [1].
Eligibility and Specialised Care
The services are designed to support adolescents and young people in Mombasa, with a specific focus on helping those who face major barriers to accessing standard healthcare [1]. This eligibility framework targets marginalised demographics, including young individuals engaged in sex work, people who use drugs, and transgender or gender non-binary youth [1]. The clinics provide a safe, welcoming environment to help reduce discrimination and protect vulnerable youth from violence [1].
Available Medical and Mental Health Services
Visitors to the Bamburi, Junda, and Ganjoni clinics can access a wide range of integrated treatments [1]. The available services include basic healthcare, sexual and reproductive health services, mental healthcare, and HIV- and hepatitis-related care [1]. Additionally, young people can access health promotion advice, peer support groups, social work assistance, and structured referral pathways to specialist hospitals if more advanced medical care is needed [1].
The Impact and Future of the Initiative
A detailed multi-year study confirmed the success of this healthcare model, showing a 33 per cent increase in healthcare access, a 20 per cent reduction in depression, and a 12 per cent rise in HIV testing [1]. The initiative also achieved a 40 per cent increase in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and a 23 per cent increase in survivors of sexual and gender-based violence seeking help [1]. Although MSF has completed this specific project handover, the organisation remains committed to investing in Mombasa to alleviate suffering, though the exact timelines for its future local projects are not yet defined [alert! ‘specific future project timelines remain undefined’] [1].