By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Teenage motherhood in Kenya is a pressing issue marked by significant social and
systemic challenges. The high rates of teenage pregnancies, particularly in regions
like Siaya County, highlight a pressing need for comprehensive support structures
and a shift in societal attitudes.
Siaya County, where teenage pregnancy rates are among the highest in the country
at 21% according to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022, illustrates the
gravity of the issue. Young mothers in this region face a myriad of obstacles,
including societal stigma and inadequate educational policies.
The stigma surrounding teenage motherhood often results in harsh judgement from
peers and community members, which severely impedes these young mothers'
ability to reintegrate into the education system.
Efforts to support teenage mothers are ongoing but face substantial hurdles. The
Imarisha Msichana project, led by Everlyne Amunga, represents a significant
initiative aimed at addressing these challenges.
The project, a collaboration between the Forum for African Women Educationalists
(FAWE) and the Mastercard Foundation, focuses on reducing teenage pregnancies
and facilitating the return of young mothers to school.
Despite these efforts, Amunga points out that the persistence of stigma and the
lack of a robust policy framework continue to undermine the progress of these
initiatives. Teenage mothers are often subjected to derogatory remarks and
negative perceptions, which discourage them from continuing their education and
reintegrating into their communities.
To address these issues, there is a critical need for a well-defined policy framework.
A new policy is currently under development, with the goal of creating a supportive
environment for teenage mothers.
This policy aims to ensure that these young women are not only retained in school
but also provided with the necessary resources and support to transition to further
education and career opportunities.
Local schools, such as Rambira Girls and Nyaguda, are actively involved in this
initiative, working to offer a second chance to those who have previously dropped
out due to early pregnancies.
The Siaya County government, represented by Maida Nyawade, Director of Youth
and Social Services, is also playing a crucial role. Nyawade emphasises the
importance of developing comprehensive child and youth policies to address the
issue effectively.
By fostering a supportive environment and implementing effective policies, Kenya
can help teenage mothers overcome the barriers they face and build a more
inclusive and equitable future.
