OYUGIS INTEGRATED PROJECT

The Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Environment Day through a meaningful tree-planting exercise aimed at promoting environmental conservation and creating awareness about the importance of protecting our natural resources. During the celebration, OIP successfully planted 60 trees within its compound and surrounding areas. In addition, 60 tree seedlings were donated to members of staff and volunteers, encouraging them to become active participants in environmental conservation within their homes and communities. The activity brought together staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries who shared a common commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as participants planted trees and discussed the important role that trees play in improving air quality, conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating the effects of climate change. The donation of tree seedlings to staff and...

  As the rains continue to bless the fields of Oyugis, many farmers are now entering one of the most important stages in maize farming — top-dressing. Across the villages and farms surrounding Oyugis, maize crops are growing steadily, and this is the right season for farmers to apply fertilizer to boost healthy growth and improve harvests. This season, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) has targeted 15 women self-help groups engaged in farming activities to receive support through the provision of urea fertilizer. This initiative is part of OIP’s ongoing mission of empowering women economically while strengthening food security within the community. The support goes beyond simply providing fertilizer. Through these farming activities, the women groups are also receiving financial literacy training to help them manage farm income, save money, plan household budgets, and invest wisely in future farming activities. By combining agricultural support with financial education, OIP aims ...

  In January this year, Shirikisho Craft Vocational Training , under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) , proudly relaunched its hairdressing and beauty course, marking an important step in expanding opportunities for youth empowerment within the community. The reintroduction of this course comes as a response to the growing need for practical, income-generating skills among young people. Since its restart, the program has gained strong momentum, attracting enthusiastic trainees eager to build careers in the beauty industry. The course has blended well with the existing computer and tailoring programs, creating a more diverse and holistic vocational training environment. Hairdressing and beauty training offers hands-on skills that are immediately applicable in the job market. Trainees are equipped with knowledge in hair styling, grooming, skincare, and customer care—skills that not only enhance self-reliance but also open doors to self-employment and entrepreneurship. Many young p...

On 16th January 2026, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) marked a historic and joyful milestone with the official opening of the Shirikisho Dispensary maternity unit. This long-awaited achievement represents a significant step forward in improving maternal and child healthcare services within the community. The celebration began with a Holy Mass presided over by the Parish Priest, Fr. Patrick, who led the faithful in thanksgiving for the successful completion of the maternity. The Mass brought together members of the parish, staff, and well-wishers, all united in gratitude and hope for the future of the new facility. Among the distinguished guests present were members of the Parish Council, Mr. Piet, whose generous support through Empower Kenya Together CBO contributed essential maternity equipment, and Mr. Jim, who played a key role in renovating the maternity through Irish Eyes CBO. Also present was Br. Erick Magoka, a member of the Provincial Board of the CMM Brothers, whose presen...

  Our Home-Based Care team continues to reach out to the community with dedication and compassion, bringing vital health information right to the doorsteps of the people we serve. This week, our team has been vibrant and active in conducting HIV sensitization and creating awareness about related infections. Through open discussions, personalized health talks, and continuous follow-up, we are helping individuals and families understand the importance of prevention, early testing, and timely treatment. We are greatly encouraged to see more community members volunteering for HIV testing. Every person who steps forward to know their status takes an important step toward protecting their health and contributing to a healthier community. A heartfelt appreciation goes to all our partners and donors Broeders Penitenten  and    Franciscanessen Charita s ,  who make these activities possible. Your generous support enables us to reach more people, offer accurate informatio...

  Women: Pillars of Family Health and Well-Being Women hold a central and irreplaceable role within families. As primary caregivers and managers of the household, they contribute greatly to the physical, emotional, and social health of their families. From preparing nutritious meals and caring for children to maintaining cleanliness and offering support, women influence the entire family’s well-being on a daily basis. Because women play such a key role, empowering them with health knowledge has a direct and lasting impact on the whole household. When women learn about safe water treatment, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices, they gain practical skills that prevent diseases and keep their families healthy. Simple practices—such as boiling or chlorinating water, using clean containers, proper waste disposal, and maintaining hygiene in food preparation—significantly reduce illnesses like diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. These diseases affect many families, especially children, ye...

The Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) continues to uphold its mission of serving vulnerable families through comprehensive home-based care, recognizing that prevention of disease is far more effective and sustainable than treatment. As part of its long-standing commitment to community health, OIP has intensified its outreach programs that focus on sanitation, hygiene, and safe water practices—critical pillars in reducing preventable illnesses within households. A report commissioned by SNV Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), titled Understanding the Effects of Poor Sanitation on Public Health, the Environment and Well-being , highlights the urgent need for stronger sanitation interventions in Homa Bay County. Conducted under the Voice for Change Partnership, the study revealed a disturbing link between the sources of household water and the prevalence of diarrhea among children. While the analysis found no association between infant feeding practices and childhood diarrhea, it...

  As an HIV mentor, I have walked the path of being an adolescent mentor and I am passionate about supporting young people living with HIV in their journey of living positively with the virus. Through my experience, I have learned the importance of empathy, understanding, and empowerment. As I navigate my own journey as a mentor, I have come to realize the great value of mentorship and support. My goal is to help others avoid isolation and feelings of being overwhelmed. In my life as a youth mentor, I aim to offer more peer support, provide accurate information to adolescents on HIV care and treatment, and empower all young people under HIV care to embrace positive living. I mentor in order to give back—to share helpful information with adolescents on how to live a fulfilling and positive life even while undergoing care and treatment. I focus on building confidence, promoting self-advocacy among adolescents and young people living with HIV (ATPHIV), and empathizing with the emoti...

At the heart of the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) is a commitment to restoring dignity and building sustainable livelihoods for all, especially the vulnerable members of our community. One such group is the elderly—grandparents who regularly visit OIP for support, encouragement, and community interaction. In a significant step toward long-term empowerment, OIP has recently launched a weekly savings initiative specifically tailored to these grandparents. The saving training, which began early this season, has started on a promising note. The grandparents have been grouped together and encouraged to save a small amount of money each week . The goal is simple yet powerful: to equip them with the financial ability to purchase certified seeds and fertilizer when the next planting season arrives. In many rural communities, especially those dependent on subsistence farming , one of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to quality farm inputs . Many families, particularly elderl...

In a bold and compassionate step towards empowering young girls and promoting gender equity in education, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) has officially launched a Reusable Sanitary Pads Department . This initiative seeks to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, while offering a sustainable solution to a challenge that continues to affect thousands of girls in Kenya and beyond. A Vision Rooted in Empowerment For years, OIP has worked at the grassroots level to uplift communities affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, and gender inequality. The introduction of the reusable sanitary pads department is yet another strategic intervention focused on long-term impact — helping school-going girls access menstrual hygiene products that are not only affordable but also environmentally friendly and durable. These reusable pads, made from soft, absorbent, and washable fabric, can last up to two years , making them a cost-effective and sustainable solution for menstrual hygiene man...

  As the new year begins, Shirikisho Dispensary's Home-Based Care (HBC) program has launched an ambitious HIV sensitization initiative targeting youths. This proactive approach comes in response to alarming statistics from 2024, which highlighted that Kenya has the seventh largest HIV burden globally. With 38% of all new adult HIV infections occurring among adolescents and young people aged 15–24 years, there is an urgent need for comprehensive awareness programs. Recognizing that schools offer a strategic platform to reach young people effectively, the HBC team has focused its efforts on educational institutions. Schools provide an environment where young individuals can be engaged collectively, allowing for interactive sessions and discussions on HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission, and treatment. The Need for Youth-Focused HIV Sensitization Kenya's national progress towards the 95–95–95 targets—standing at 96–>98–97—is commendable. However, the high infection rates among yo...

Shirikisho Crafts, a unique initiative under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), is transforming the lives of young women through skill acquisition, counseling, and spiritual guidance. This program is not only an avenue for vocational training but also a safe space where participants can address personal challenges and grow holistically. Every Friday, the students gather for group counseling sessions and spiritual guidance, creating an environment of mutual support and collective healing. These sessions, led by experienced counselors and spiritual mentors, focus on promoting mental well-being, fostering resilience, and cultivating a sense of purpose. The group setting encourages open dialogue, allowing the girls to share experiences and learn from one another. Beyond the group sessions, Shirikisho Crafts offers personalized one-on-one counseling available on any day of the week. This individualized approach ensures that every student receives the attention and care they need to naviga...

  On January 16, 2025, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) hosted a successful training session for home-based care volunteers at the OIP Social Hall. The training focused on equipping volunteers with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage opportunistic infections in HIV, particularly tuberculosis (TB) and herpes zoster (shingles). Purpose of the Training The training aimed to enhance the capacity of volunteers to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS by providing essential health education, monitoring for signs of opportunistic infections, and assisting in the early identification and referral for treatment. Opportunistic infections remain a significant challenge for people living with HIV, and this initiative underscores the commitment of OIP to improve health outcomes in the community. Key Highlights Tuberculosis (TB) Session The first session of the day was dedicated to tuberculosis, one of the most common and severe opportunistic infections among people l...

 On October 31, 2024, Shirikisho Dispensary held a comprehensive seminar for its Home-Based Care (HBC) volunteers, led by Br. Michael, to introduce and guide them through the newly launched HBC Guidebook. This seminar aimed to equip our volunteers with practical insights and hands-on guidance, reinforcing the dispensary’s commitment to quality and consistency in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions. Facilitators provided an in-depth overview of the guidebook, focusing on its structured approaches to patient care, ethical guidelines, and care standards. Key sections of the guidebook were discussed, including patient assessment protocols, palliative care methods, psychological support techniques, and infection control practices. Volunteers were encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions on real-life applications of the guidebook’s principles, making the session highly interactive and insightful. The seminar enhanced volunteers’ skills in: Pat...

 On October 31, 2024, Shirikisho Dispensary proudly launched the new Home-Based Care (HBC) Guidebook, a comprehensive resource designed to strengthen and support our ongoing care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The guidebook provides volunteers and caregivers with structured, evidence-based approaches to enhance palliative care, medical assistance, and holistic support, reinforcing our commitment to providing compassionate, community-based health services. The HBC Guidebook was created to serve as a foundational tool in our future planning and development of care strategies. By offering step-by-step guidance on managing patients' physical, emotional, and social needs, the guidebook will empower our volunteer caregivers to deliver consistent, high-quality care. Additionally, it includes practical advice on infection control, nutritional support, and psychological counseling, ensuring that care remains comprehensive and patient-centered. The guidebook will be instrumental in standar...

Shirikisho Crafts Students Design African Bags and Build Their Own Brand Shirikisho Crafts, an empowering initiative under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), is transforming lives and fueling dreams in Oyugis, Kenya. Recently, a group of young women enrolled in Shirikisho's craft program has embarked on an exciting venture: designing authentic African bags with the goal of creating their own brand. Driven by their passion and guided by mentors, these students are crafting vibrant, stylish bags that celebrate African heritage and creativity. The project is as much about skill-building as it is about sparking entrepreneurship. The students work with various materials and techniques, blending traditional African designs with modern aesthetics to make bags that stand out in the market. This fusion of heritage and contemporary style gives the girls a unique position in the growing world of African fashion and accessory design. Through this journey, Shirikisho is instilling essential s...