County Government Initiates Back to School Program for Teen Mothers

Murang’a County – is set to launch a back-to-school program specifically for teenage mothers. Announced during the State of the County address by Governor Dr. Irungu Kangata, the initiative is pending the passage of the supplementary budget by the county assembly.

According to Kenya News Agency, the program’s aim is to facilitate the re-entry of teen mothers into schools, recognizing education as a key tool for securing their future. This comes amid rising concerns over teenage pregnancy in Kenya. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 highlighted that lack of education, poverty, early sexual initiation, harmful cultural practices, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services are primary contributors to teenage pregnancy. In the first five months of 2023, Kenya Health Information Systems reported 110,821 pregnancies among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.

In Murang’a County, data from the same survey indicates that 7 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 years have been pregnant. This initiative aligns with the efforts of various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations like the Kenya Forum for Women Educationalists (FAWE Kenya), which runs the ‘Imarisha Msichana’ program in 20 counties, including Murang’a. This program focuses on reducing teenage pregnancies and facilitating the return of girls to school.

Governor Kangata also highlighted the county’s maternal support program, which has seen over 7,000 mothers registered. The program encourages clinic attendance to reduce maternal deaths and complications.

Njeri Mwaniki, a nominated member of the county assembly, praised the initiative, noting its potential for long-term social and developmental benefits. In addition to the education initiative, the county is planning to introduce a Gikuyu music festival, as recommended in a report by the Committee of Trade, Industrialization, Cooperatives, Tourism, and Wildlife. Governor Kangata stated that the festival, scheduled to commence on December 24 and become an annual event, will celebrate the region’s music heritage, including honoring departed artists like Queen Jane and Demetheew.