Lack of active Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the ground could lead to an upsurge in triple threat incidents, Mukurwe-ini residents in Nyeri have been told.
The threats are teenage pregnancies, Gender Based Violence and the spread of HIV.
Millicent Wambugu, programmes director of the Mt Kenya West ACK diocese's development arm, on Tuesday urged stakeholders to chip in.
"Let us bridge the gap and once we do so, we will make our Mukurwe-ini a better place," she said.
Wambugu spoke during Central Regional World Population Day celebration held at Muhito Primary School in Mukurwe-ini subcounty.
The celebration was themed: Unleashing the power of gender equity to unlock our world's infinite possibilities.
Wambugu urged CSOs, national and county governments to consider establishing rescue centres.
These would provide psychological and healing support to any abused child or woman who has undergone Gender-Based Violence.
She added that though the national government has good policies in place, it should put a bit of thought into enforcement.
People shy away from seeking justice because of the tedious criminal justice system, she said.
"How I wish that all the partners in Mukurwe-ini, right from the ground all the way to the magistrate, could work together to address abuse issues in the right way," Wambugu said.
She said the church has been working with schools by training teachers on counselling so they can support learners.
"We have also trained community leaders, including some Nyumba Kumi elders, so they can support the community," Wambugu said.
"We have trained the administration and even the clergy."
Wambugu urged the learners present to take responsibility for their feelings, actions and thoughts so they can move far ahead in life.
Mukurwe-ini DCC Elizabeth Kanjaria praised the government's move to offer free primary and secondary education, as well as affordable TVET education.
It will go a long way in reducing issues of drugs, alcohol and substance abuse, which have been an eyesore to the youth, she said.
She urged them to take advantage of the subsidised technical education and learn life skills so as to be self-reliant.
"We believe if they take the short courses, they will be able to better their lives, earn a living and support their families," she said.
National Council for Population Development Central Regional coordinator Irene Kitur said the event was held at the subcounty level to reach out to the community, have a dialogue with them, identify and analyse the population issues.
"Then from the community dialogue we have, we can use the evidenced-based finding to inform our programmes. It will also inform our population policies," she said.
The findings, she said, will be taken to the county assembly to advocate for population programmes and resourcing of reproductive health.
Other activities carried out during the day included planting of trees and a medical camp that focused on health education, family planning, HIV testing services, cervical and breast cancer screening, HPV vaccination, NCD screening, Mental health awareness, Covid-19 vaccination and exhibitions.
Others present included Philia Mission Kenya executive director Joseph Otieno.