Ongoing Projects
Transforming Communities Through Youth-Led Action
CYAN Kenya implements integrated programmes that strengthen adolescent health, governance, livelihoods, gender equality and climate resilience. Working alongside development partners, government institutions and local communities, these flagship projects are improving lives across Homa Bay County while building sustainable systems that continue delivering impact beyond project cycles.
FLAGSHIP PROJECT
Smart Start Initiative Project
The Smart Start Initiative promotes nurturing care for early childhood development (NCfECD) while addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescent girls and young mothers. The project combines policy and budget advocacy with community-based interventions to improve parenting practices, strengthen psychosocial support systems, and enhance access to health, education, and social services.
Working through community health structures, peer support groups, caregivers, parents and community leaders, the initiative supports adolescent mothers with parenting education, psychosocial support, referrals to essential services and economic empowerment opportunities. The project also promotes positive gender norms, community dialogue and school re-entry for adolescent mothers through collaboration with health, education and social protection stakeholders.
By strengthening family and community support systems, Smart Start contributes to improved maternal and child wellbeing, enhanced early childhood development outcomes, and increased opportunities for adolescent girls to thrive.
FLAGSHIP PROJECT
Tupigane na Ufisadi (TUNU)
Students Acting for Honesty, Integrity & Equality (SHINE)
The SHINE (Students Acting for Honesty, Integrity and Equality) initiative empowers young people, environmental human rights defenders and persons with disabilities aged 18–35 to become champions of integrity within their learning institutions and communities.
Through integrity clubs, mentorship programmes, civic advocacy, debates, theatre performances, essay competitions and awareness campaigns, the initiative promotes ethical leadership, accountability and active citizenship among students while encouraging them to become agents of positive social change.
SHINE prioritizes inclusion by ensuring meaningful participation of women, persons with disabilities and environmental advocates, while fostering sustainability through peer mentorship and institutional ownership. The initiative contributes to building a generation of young leaders committed to transparency, integrity and good governance.
FLAGSHIP PROJECT
You(th)-CARE
Community Access, Rights & Empowerment
The You(th)-CARE project works to improve access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR), Maternal and Child Health (MCH), and psychosocial support services for adolescents, young mothers and families living in underserved communities.
Through community health outreaches, the Youth Resource Hub, mentorship programmes, parenting and nurturing care education, and multi-stakeholder engagement forums, the initiative empowers young people with knowledge, confidence and access to essential health and social services.
The project further strengthens household resilience by supporting young mothers through peer mentorship, routine household follow-ups and sustainable livelihood opportunities, including poultry farming and other income-generating activities that improve family wellbeing.
By promoting youth participation, community collaboration and sustainable support systems, You(th)-CARE contributes to improved health outcomes, stronger families and more empowered communities across Homa Bay County.
FLAGSHIP PROJECT
Roots for Resilience
Community Tree Nursery Initiative
The Roots for Resilience: Community Tree Nursery Initiative promotes community-led climate action and environmental conservation through the establishment and management of a community tree nursery. The project supports the production and distribution of quality tree seedlings for households, schools, community institutions and public spaces.
The initiative encourages environmental restoration, biodiversity conservation and increased tree cover while creating opportunities for young people to participate in green livelihoods, environmental stewardship and climate resilience initiatives across Homa Bay County.
By strengthening local ownership of climate solutions, promoting sustainable natural resource management and supporting community participation, the initiative contributes to healthier ecosystems and stronger, climate-resilient communities for future generations.
Building Sustainable Impact Together
CYAN Kenya continues to work with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations and local communities to deliver innovative, youth-led programmes that improve health, strengthen governance, promote gender equality, build climate resilience and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for adolescents and young people across Homa Bay County.