Nairobi News

Renowned Kenyan artiste King Kaka, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), has released his latest song titled Beshte Yangu (My Best Friend).

The song, launched on the occasion of World Population Day, delivers a powerful message on positive masculinity, mental health and HIV awareness.

The event took place at the University of Nairobi, bringing together students, faculty members and the wider community to celebrate the importance of investing in youth education, health, and well-being for a sustainable future.

King Kaka expressed his pride in promoting positive masculinity, mental health and HIV awareness, emphasizing the significance of the song for young people across the continent.

The song, performed in Kiswahili, appeals to all young individuals by addressing common challenges they may face. It encourages support, solidarity, and the importance of seeking help when needed.

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Young people in Sub-Saharan Africa face numerous challenges, including high school dropout rates, HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and early and unintended pregnancies.

In Kenya, where the population is 47.5 million, addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of the country’s 7.9 million young people aged 15-24 remains crucial.

Approximately 184,000 young individuals within that age bracket are living with HIV, with 17,000 new infections occurring annually. Negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes, such as unintended pregnancies and violence, hinder the well-being and potential of students.

To tackle these challenges, the University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Training College and Unesco have joined forces through the O3 Plus project.

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The project aims to increase knowledge about HIV, unplanned pregnancies, mental health, and gender-based violence. It emphasizes social accountability, supports health education, creates an enabling policy environment, and advocates for zero tolerance of harassment and violence.

The O3 Plus project is being implemented across the University of Nairobi’s 10 campuses and 3 Kenya Medical Training College campuses, prioritizing student well-being and fostering a safe environment.

Prof Iribe Mwangi, Chairman of the Department of Kiswahili at the University of Nairobi, expressed his satisfaction with the song’s launch on World Population Day. He highlighted its educational value, especially for young people, regarding positive masculinity, mental health, and HIV awareness. Prof Mwangi expressed hope that young individuals would not only enjoy the song but also grasp its educational message.

Beshte Yangu is expected to captivate audiences with its powerful message and infectious rhythms. By releasing the song on World Population Day, King Kaka and Unesco aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the importance of young people’s education for health and well-being in the continent, while inspiring the youth audience to reach their full potential.

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