OYUGIS INTEGRATED PROJECT

Despite Kenya's remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Homa Bay County remains one of the country's highest HIV burden counties . According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) report, A Decade of Progress Report: Translating Progress into Success (2013–2023) , Homa Bay is among the eight counties that together account for over half of all people living with HIV in Kenya. Nationally, Kenya has approximately 1.38 million people living with HIV , with an HIV prevalence of 3.3% . While the country has made significant strides toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets—with 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 97% receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 94% achieving viral suppression —new infections continue to occur, particularly among adolescents, young people, and women. Homa Bay continues to face these challenges, requiring sustained community-based interventions. For more than two decades, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) ...

Having health talks in villages is a critical strategy for HIV prevention and control in Kenya, as adolescents and young people (AYP) bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for approximately 39% of all new adult HIV infections. Village-based outreach is essential because youth in remote or hard-to-reach areas often face significant geographical and social barriers to accessing standard health services. Recognizing this need, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), through its HIV program, has intensified community HIV sensitization activities across Kasipul Sub-County. OIP teams regularly conduct village health talks, community dialogues, school outreach programs, youth forums, and door-to-door awareness campaigns aimed at educating community members on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care. The project also collaborates with local leaders, community health promoters, religious institutions, and youth groups to ensure HIV information reaches vulnerable populations effectively. ...

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...