Documenting Lived Experiences of Youths During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Policy and Program Considerations for Youth in Six Selected Counties, Kenya

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted various segments of society, with adolescents and young adults bearing a significant brunt of its effects. Measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus directly influenced the livelihoods of these demographics. To comprehensively understand their experiences, we conducted a qualitative study across six counties in Kenya, focusing on three age categories: 15–18 years, 19–25 years, and 26–35 years, through eleven focus group discussions (FGDs). Objectives: The study aimed at exploring the lived experiences of adolescents and youths during the COVID-19 pandemic in six selected counties in Kenya, with a focus on social, economic, educational and healthcare impact. Design: The study was a cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach using Focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Participants: A total of 11 FGDs with youth aged 15–35 years and 5 KIIs with county policymakers were conducted. Participants were purposively sampled from rural, urban, and peri-urban settings and included individuals affiliated with youth networks and organisations. Results: Findings revealed disruptions in interpersonal relationships, economic hardships leading to increased tensions within households, and a surge in gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies, cases of female genital mutilation (FGM), and transactional sex. Economically, parents faced income reductions, job losses, and challenges in self-employment due to restrictive measures, exacerbating financial strains and prompting some to resort to child labour or crime. Microfinancing loans and business model adaptations, including digitalisation and social entrepreneurship, emerged as coping mechanisms. Moreover, the pandemic exacerbated educational inequalities, with limited access to virtual learning platforms and devices leading to increased dropout rates and poor academic performance, particularly among disadvantaged youths. From a healthcare perspective, service disruptions hinder the provision of youth-friendly services, resulting in delayed or inadequate medical attention and exacerbating health issues among young people. The pandemic's multifaceted impacts, encompassing familial and societal pressures, underscore the urgent need for proactive interventions to support youth resilience and well-being. Conclusion: Leveraging coping strategies identified in this study can inform collaborative efforts between government, non-state actors, and young people to develop sustainable mechanisms that transcend mere healthcare responses to future pandemics. Building robust partnerships and holistic approaches are essential to mitigate the adverse effects on youth and foster resilience in the face of future crises