Health
Healthy People. Stronger Communities.
- HIV testing, prevention and treatment linkage
- SRHR and youth-friendly services
- Community health outreach
- Health education and awareness
U-TENA YOUTH ORGANIZATION
Transforming Lives Artistically
20
Years
of Empowering Success
2006 – 2026
Stronger Communities. Brighter Futures.
Our Journey Key Milestones
December 2006
Our Founding
Eight young visionaries in Mukuru, Nairobi, came together to create U-Tena. We started with theatre, sports and community dialogue to raise awareness about health and social issues, using Magnet Theatre to turn young people from passive onlookers into active leaders.
2011
Formalization and Legal Recognition
Registered as a Self-Help Group with the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Services in July 2011.
Re-registered as a Community Based Organization in September 2023, broadening our mandate to include community development, education, health, environment and economic empowerment.
2013 – 2016
Expansion and Branding
Launched the Girl Education Change initiative (2013) to promote quality secondary education. Expanded health programming with AHF (2016), including HIV testing, prevention and treatment linkage. Introduced the Youth-Friendly Services (YFS) Centre at Lunga Lunga Health Centre. Grew livelihoods through skills, assets and market access for young people.
2022 – 2023
Deepening Education and Community Reach
Partnered with the World Education Fund (WEF) in 2022 to provide scholarships for disadvantaged students.
Launched the annual Masomo Run in 2023, through local fundraising, strengthening our reach and impact.
2024 – 2026
Strengthening Impact and Looking Ahead
Guided by our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, we continue to grow our programmes, partnerships and capacity across health, education and livelihoods.
In July 2024, AHF recognized our contribution to HIV and AIDS programming. In April 2026, we joined the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance – Kenya.
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Our Programmes We work with children, young people, families and communities to create opportunities, strengthen resilience and build a healthier, more self-reliant future.
Education
Quality Learning. Brighter Futures.
- Scholarships and school support
- Quality secondary education
- Learning and mentorship
- Masomo Run
Livelihoods
Skills Today. Opportunities Tomorrow.
- Skills and entrepreneurship
- Urban farming
- Market access and mentorship
Our Impact in Numbers Real People. Lasting Change.
102,889+
clients tested for HIV
3,339
identified HIV positive
91.7%
linked to care and treatment
16,200+
students supported through education programmes, including scholarships and the Masomo Run initiative
