Jenga Beshte was an innovative research project implemented by Help REACH Africa (HERA) in partnership with Yale University, Q-Initiative, and Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STIs (HOYMAS) between 2020 and 2022.

The study sought to adapt and implement an evidence-based web-based peer support intervention aimed at increasing HIV testing uptake among vulnerable men in Kenya. The project explored how digital platforms and peer mentorship could strengthen social support, reduce isolation, address stigma, and improve healthcare-seeking behaviors among key populations.

Implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project demonstrated the potential of virtual engagement and digital health solutions in reaching vulnerable populations when traditional face-to-face services were limited.

• The project aimed to:
• Increase HIV testing uptake among vulnerable men and improve knowledge of HIV status. 
• Strengthen peer support networks among vulnerable men. 
• Reduce the effects of HIV-related and sexual stigma on healthcare-seeking behaviors. 
• Promote HIV self-care and linkage to health services. 
• Develop and test a discreet web-based platform for mentorship, referral, and peer engagement. 

• Conducted 6 virtual Focus Group Discussions through Zoom. 
• Conducted 2 WhatsApp-based Focus Group Discussions. 
• Completed 10 in-depth interviews with study participants. 
• Produced qualitative findings that informed the development of a digital peer-support intervention. 
• Developed a web-based social platform for mentorship, referral, and peer engagement. 
• Successfully implemented remote qualitative research during COVID-19 restrictions. 

The project utilized virtual research methods, including Zoom discussions, WhatsApp-based engagement, and in-depth interviews, to gather insights from vulnerable men across Kenya.

HERA led the local implementation, including protocol reviews, ethics submissions, recruitment and training of research staff, qualitative data collection, transcription, analysis, dissemination, and reporting.

The project demonstrated how digital technologies can support research, mentorship, and HIV prevention programming among key populations, particularly during public health emergencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted access to health services and community support systems for many vulnerable populations. Through Jenga Beshte, HERA and its partners demonstrated that digital platforms could provide safe spaces for connection, mentorship, and health information sharing among key populations.

Participants reported valuing opportunities to engage with peers, discuss challenges related to stigma and healthcare access, and receive support through virtual platforms. The project generated important evidence on how technology can be leveraged to improve HIV prevention and support services among key populations.

Lessons learned from Jenga Beshte have continued to inform HERA’s HIV prevention and digital health programming, including subsequent projects focused on improving access to HIV services for marginalized populations.

• Nairobi County 
• Uasin Gishu County 

Research Partner & Funder

• Yale University 

Implementation Partners

• Q-Initiative 
• Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STIs (HOYMAS) 
• Nairobi County Government 
• Uasin Gishu County Government 

Completed (2020–2022)

The project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using digital peer-support interventions to strengthen HIV testing and engagement among MSM populations in Kenya and contributed valuable evidence for future HIV prevention and digital health programming.