Since 2021, CIHEB-Kenya, with support from the CDC, has been implementing the DREAMS program across 19 wards in four sub-counties in Migori County. The goal is simple but powerful: to give adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) the tools, knowledge, and support they need to stay safe, healthy, and empowered.

Through the program, 123,744 girls — about 85% of those actively enrolled — have received the full package of services recommended under PEPFAR’s DREAMS layering approach. Over 145,000 AGYW aged 10–24 have been reached with tailored HIV prevention messages and services, including HIV and violence prevention education. Among them, more than 64,000 young women aged 18–24 received PrEP education, and over 8,000 voluntarily started using PrEP — a secondary prevention method offered based on individual risk.

In addition to services for girls, over 68,000 girls aged 10–24 and 6,661 boys aged 10–14 have completed age-appropriate education and life skills training focused on HIV prevention and reducing sexual violence.

To support this work, the program has funded 95 healthcare providers and 151 facilitators, creating safe, youth-friendly spaces where girls can access sexual and reproductive health services without fear or stigma. More than 346 trained DREAMS mentors also work closely with the girls, guiding them through issues like health, education, financial independence, and mental well-being.

A Local Solution: "Okoa Nyumba" Changing Lives in Rural Migori

In rural areas of Migori County, early marriage and teen pregnancy are common — often leaving young women financially dependent on their partners. This dependency increases their risk of gender-based violence, HIV, and continued cycles of poverty.

To help address this, Ciheb-Kenya introduced the “Okoa Nyumba” initiative under the DREAMS program. Swahili for “Save the Household,” the initiative targets married young women and out-of-school teen mothers with an economic empowerment model built around Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA).

Through these VSLAs, young women come together to save, invest, and support one another. Many go on to start small businesses, thanks to business start-up support, coaching, and financial literacy training. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, participants also receive guidance based on local market assessments to ensure their business ideas are viable and sustainable.

One such success story is Levina, a young mother in Migori. After completing the financial and entrepreneurship training, she began saving with her VSLA group. Eventually, she took out a Ksh 9,000 loan and bought two female goats. “The goats gave birth in January, and their kids are now three months old,” she shares. “This has turned into a small but growing business. I’m planning to expand the farm because the market is strong and it’s a stable source of income for my family.”

So far, 2,628 young women have benefited from the Okoa Nyumba Business Start-up and Coaching Initiative, launching income-generating projects that reduce their reliance on partners and promote economic resilience.

By investing in their futures, these young women are not only protecting their health — they are also building stronger families, reducing their exposure to violence, and shaping a more hopeful future for their communities.

Our programs include training and support for young people and women to improve their income-generating abilities. Whether through vocational training or financial literacy, we help participants build independence and resilience.