By Caroline Katana
In the coastal village of Maweni, Kwale County, teenage girls face a reality that threatens to derail their education and dreams early pregnancy.
Despite national policies ensuring their right to return to school, social stigma, cultural practices, and financial hardship continue to push many adolescent mothers to the margins.
Yet, amid these challenges, some girls are finding ways to reclaim their education, redefine their futures, and inspire their communities.
Risper Mwaka, a resident of Diani, recalls the moment her school dreams were abruptly cut short.
“I completed primary school in 2011, but my parents, following outdated cultural traditions, refused to let me continue to secondary school. I stayed home until 2016, doing casual jobs, and eventually became pregnant,” she said.
Returning home brought its own hardships.
“My mother treated me as a shame to the family. The community laughed at me because I was a young girl who had gotten pregnant. Even my father said if I had gone to secondary school, this would not have happened,” she said.
Risper’s story is not unique. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022), approximately 18% of girls in Kwale County give birth before turning 20.
Risper Mwaka, Diani resident
Despite the Kenya School Re-entry Policy, which guarantees the right of adolescent mothers to return to school, implementation remains inconsistent.
Many girls face stigma, financial barriers, lack of childcare, and even outright denial of their right to education.
Despite the stigma, Risper found a lifeline through the Network for Adolescent Youth of Africa NAYA organization, which supports young mothers in education, business, and leadership.
Through government programs like KYEOP (now Nyota), she trained in business, hairdressing, and beauty therapy, and is now a qualified hairdresser and beauty therapist.
“Getting pregnant at a young age is not the end of life. With the right support, we can succeed even beyond girls who completed school uninterrupted,” she said.
Similarly, Mwanasiti Hamisi Chimega from Mwakamba village shared the struggles of being excluded from school after an early pregnancy.
“In our society, girls who get pregnant are treated as if their lives are over. Opportunities go to girls without children, and we are placed in a different, older group,” she said.
Biasha Mohamed Mwakufilisi, a parent, reflected on how inadequate parental guidance contributes to early pregnancies.
“When children return home, they often have nothing to support their schooling no pen, no sanitary towels. Parents tell them to fend for themselves, and this pushes girls into early relationships and pregnancies,” she said.
Juma Mwachangu, a village elder, highlighted changing community attitudes.
“We now educate girls and boys that girls should complete school before marriage. Outdated traditions are being abandoned, and girls are getting the constitutional rights they deserve,” he said.
Bishop Dr. Esther Ndemwa stressed the role of community leaders in safeguarding children.
“Every person has a responsibility to protect the rights of children—they are the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
Efrancia Makio, a gender activist, urged collective action.
“Communities must shun harmful traditions that endanger girls. We must create safe spaces for them to learn and thrive,” she said.
Kwale young mothers
On her side Matuga girls principal Caroline Zawadi Nguma emphasized education as the foundation for life.
“Education is the most precious inheritance a parent can give a child. The government ensures 100 percent transition from primary to secondary school, so no parent should deny a girl her education even after pregnancy,” she said.
Kenya’s Constitution of 2010 guarantees every child the right to education (Article 53).
The Children Act 2001 and the School Re-entry Policy further protect adolescent mothers.
Internationally, Kenya is bound by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC, 1989) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990), which promote education for all children, including adolescent mothers.
Sophy Safari from NAYA shared insights from the She Leads Project, which targets girls aged 14–30 in Matuga, Lungalunga, and Msambweni.
“We realized the biggest challenges were harmful cultural practices and societal stigma. We held community sensitizations and formed advisory boards with religious , kaya elders , community leaders to support girls’ re-entry,” she said.
Priscah Mongera, director of the G for Girls Initiative, explained the program’s purpose.
“We help girls remain in school and transition successfully to secondary education. We also improve their participation in policy initiatives that promote inclusive and high-quality education,” she said.
Zephaniah Apoko, director of children’s services in Kwale County, cited local statistics .
“Teenage pregnancies and child marriages are major reasons girls drop out of school. Poverty, drought, and distance to schools exacerbate the situation, ” he cited
The national government through children department runs programs like the Presidential Scholarship Bursary and cash transfers for vulnerable children to address these challenges and ensure safe space for girls,” he said.
Individual success stories highlight the impact of these interventions.
Mary Umazi, who became pregnant at 13 after being raped, returned to school with support from her parents and local organizations.
“With guidance from the Sauti ya wanawake organization, I completed my secondary education and am now planning to join nursing college,” she said.
Miriam Wanjiru, a young mother of two, echoed the sentiment.
“NAYA helped me regain confidence and return to school. I completed my Diploma in community development and am now a social worker and entrepreneur,” she said.
Kwale county director of education, Ahmed Abdi
Abdi Ahmed, Kwale County Director of Education, reaffirmed the government’s commitment.
“Even if a girl becomes pregnant, she still has a right to education. Educating girls is educating the community. Our policies and programs ensure every child gets equal access to learning,” he said.
Minister for Education Migos Ogamba stressed that Kenya’s 100 percent transition policy remains active.
“The government has the infrastructure and institutions to absorb every child, ensuring that adolescent mothers can continue their education without discrimination,” he said.
Across Kwale, these stories demonstrate that when policy, community action, and targeted programs converge, adolescent mothers can overcome barriers, reclaim their education, and change the narrative for future generations.
