By Sharon Sitati
Kenya continues to struggle with a significant challenge, ranking third globally in teenage pregnancies. The Kenya Health Information Systems reported an alarming 110,821 recorded cases among adolescents aged 10 to 19 in the first five months of 2023. Disturbingly, 6,110 cases involve adolescents aged 10 to 14, while 104,711 are between the ages of 15 and 19.
This distressing trend, fueled by poverty and lack of education, not only jeopardizes the future of these young girls but also perpetuates the cycle of poverty in the nation.
A correlation exists between education levels and teenage pregnancy rates, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach.
Data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 reveals that 38% of girls with no education were pregnant, compared to 5% of those in higher education.
While strides have been made in closing the gender gap in education, as highlighted by the CS Education, Ezekiel Machogu during the recently released 2023 KCSE exams, attention should shift from mere attendance to addressing factors contributing to girls’ poor academic performance.
The 2023 KCSE results show that 10,881 girls scored B+ and above, compared to 15,667 boys with similar achievements.
We should thus join our efforts to eliminate factors that limit a girl’s better performance. The data from the 2023 KCSE results brings to light the disparity in high academic achievement between girls and boys, indicating a gap that requires close examination and targeted interventions.
To counter the issue of teenage pregnancies, prioritising girls’ education is paramount. While the closure of the gender gap in the 2023 KCSE exams is a positive development, the importance of the school re-entry policy for teenage mothers cannot be overlooked.
This policy allows young mothers to continue their education after giving birth, providing them with an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their dreams.
Girls who become pregnant should not be denied the opportunity to return to school.
Instead, the focus should be on providing them with comprehensive sexuality education and formal education. UNICEF’s National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System strongly advocates for this approach.
However, recent statements from Governor Kenneth Lusaka opposing the re-entry of pregnant girls are not aligned with established policies and international guidelines.
Adolescent pregnancy is a significant risk factor for mental health issues, school dropout, and long-term social, economic, and health consequences.
Teen mothers often face psychosocial challenges, including stress, unpreparedness for parenthood, and financial difficulties. These challenges, combined with societal stigma, can adversely affect both the mother and the child’s health outcomes.
Addressing these issues is essential to break the cycle of poverty and enhance the nation’s economic prospects.
The financial cost of teenage pregnancies is devastating, hindering girls’ educational pursuits and limiting their economic opportunities. A 2022 World Bank report entitled “The Social and Educational Consequences of Adolescent Childbearing” posits that teenage mothers are less likely to continue their education, resulting in reduced lifetime earnings.
Comprehensive sexuality education is a critical component in empowering adolescents to make informed decisions about their health. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to navigate relationships, understand reproductive health, and make responsible choices.
Data from KDHS 2022 revealing a correlation between education levels and teenage pregnancy rates, highlights the positive impact of education in reducing the incidence of adolescent pregnancies.
Collaborative efforts between families, communities, and schools are crucial in tackling the teenage pregnancy crisis in Kenya. Emphasizing comprehensive sexuality education, improving academic performance, and upholding the re-entry policy for pregnant girls create an enabling environment that supports girls’ education.
Flexible school hours, accommodating the need for children to assist with household responsibilities while still attending classes, are essential to address the unique challenges faced by adolescent mothers.
Addressing teenage pregnancies requires not only a focus on education but also the elimination of societal stigmas and the promotion of comprehensive sexuality education.
When we strengthen an environment that supports girls’ education and provides them with the necessary tools for informed decision-making, Kenya can break the cycle of poverty and enhance the overall well-being of its youth.
Collaborative efforts, guided by established policies and international guidelines, will play an essential role in shaping a future where teenage pregnancies are minimized, and the potential of young girls is fully realized.
Sharon Sitati, Sexual Reproductive Health Advocate, CSA Kenya.
