Chapter 6: Bridging the Analogue Digital Divide: Strengthening Adolescents’ Knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Kenya Through Digital Technologies

Digital technology platforms are increasingly being used to find information on SRHR compared to traditional sources of information, such as formal education systems and educators. This phenomenon is happening not only in Kenya but globally as children gain increased access to digital technology and go online at younger ages. The extensive use of digital technologies affords adolescents more access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, which creates an opportunity to strengthen adolescent SRH outcomes. Sadly, despite increased access to SRHR information via digital technology platforms, the same cannot be said for curriculum-based sex education delivered through formal education systems. Opposition to curriculum-based SRHR education remains steadfast in Kenya, creating a knowledge gap among members of this social group. They currently have more access to SRHR information online while simultaneously experiencing limited access to the same information in schools. There is a divide between what is taught in school and what is available online. This chapter, therefore, seeks to demonstrate the need to bridge the gap between information available via digital health technology platforms and what is provided through curriculum-based sex education delivered through formal education systems. Additionally, the chapter demonstrates how the current opposition to digital sexual and reproductive health interventions targeting adolescents is part of a larger campaign to limit adolescents’ access to comprehensive information on SRHR.