Study Highlights Barriers to Adolescent Mothers’ School Re-Entry and Child Well-being in Kenya
A recent study by Zizi Afrique Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the National Gender and Equality Commission, has revealed critical gaps in the implementation of Kenya’s school re-entry policy for adolescent mothers.
Conducted in Samburu, Siaya, and Mombasa counties between October and December 2024, the study explored how school re-entry affects the well-being of children aged 0 to 3 years.
Despite the government’s re-entry policy, adolescent mothers continue to face stigma, financial hardship, and inadequate support systems, limiting their ability to resume and sustain education.
“In my school alone, six girls drop out due to pregnancy every term. That means at least 20 girls per year do not return,” a headteacher in Samburu reported, highlighting the gravity of the crisis.
The study found that adolescent pregnancy remains rampant, with prevalence rates at 51 Percent in Samburu, 21percent in Siaya, and 17percent in Mombasa, aligning with data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.
Many adolescent mothers struggle with poverty, childcare responsibilities, and mental health challenges, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
Cases of school absenteeism, isolation, and even abortion were reported, underscoring the stigma surrounding teenage pregnancies.
Additionally, limited awareness and enforcement of the re-entry policy remain a major obstacle.
Many school administrators, parents, and communities are either unaware of the policy or do not fully support its implementation.
“We rarely get accurate data on how many girls actually return to school after giving birth,” the study noted, emphasizing the need for better monitoring and accountability.
Children of adolescent mothers also face significant challenges. Many are introduced to complementary feeding before six months due to their mothers’ school schedules, leading to malnutrition risks, especially in Samburu.
Delayed antenatal care and unsafe home environments further jeopardize their health.The study identified key enablers for successful school re-entry, including family support especially from female caregivers personal ambition, counseling, and intervention programs by state and non-state actors.
Stakeholders are urged to enhance awareness of re-entry policies, develop a structured monitoring framework, and strengthen support systems to ensure both mother and child thrive.
With concerted efforts, adolescent mothers can complete their education while securing a better future for their children, breaking the cycle of poverty that threatens generations to come.
By Sharon Atieno
