The Kenya National AIDS Strategic Plan III identified four priority areas to implement HIV/AIDS programmes. Community based HIV programmes were identified as one of the priority areas and therefore formed pillar III. The identification of this pillar was informed by global evidence and review of policies and strategies including the previous strategic plan (KNASP II). The reviews recommended greater community ownership of programmes that deliver health services to the public.
This Pillar relies on local contexts and best practices to strengthen capacity of communities to plan, demand and implement priority HIV interventions to complement other pillars (priority areas). Knowledge, demand and utilization of services in the formal health system are highly dependent on a strong community-based advocacy and referral system. Community based interventions will therefore ensure that an effective system is in place, including greater capacity of individuals and community to demand accountability with regard to access to and quality of services.
Interventions at the community level will also ensure that causes of vulnerability are addressed at the community level, such as gender relations and cultural beliefs and values. Interventions will also address community specific risks and vulnerabilities of MARPs and the gender and legal dimensions of HIV.
This pillar aims to strengthen community capacity towards achieving Universal Access and social transformation for an AIDS-competent society. This will be achieved through building competence at the community level and strengthening community systems to address causes of vulnerability. It will also strengthen community–based governance and financial management systems.
It is the responsibility of National AIDS Control Council (NACC) to lead the implementation of this pillar supported by the Ministry of Gender, Children Affairs and Social Development.
Action Framework 
