Murang’a – The Murang’a County Government has initiated a plan to establish a back-to-school programme for teenage mothers, aiming to facilitate their return to education. Governor Dr. Irungu Kangata announced during the State of the County address that this program will commence following the approval of the supplementary budget by the County Assembly.

According to Kenya News Agency, the program reflects the county’s commitment to addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy and its repercussions. The governor emphasized the importance of education in securing the future of these young mothers. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, which identifies lack of education, poverty, early sexual initiation, harmful cultural practices, and barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services as primary factors contributing to teenage pregnancy.

Data from the Kenya Health Information Systems revealed a concerning statistic: 110,821 pregnancies among adolescents aged 10 to 19 were recorded in the first five months of 2023. In Murang’a County specifically, seven percent of girls aged 15 to 19 have been pregnant, as per the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022.

This back-to-school initiative for teen mothers in Murang’a is supported by other key stakeholders and non-governmental organizations. The Forum for Africa Women Educationalists, Kenya (FAWE-K), for example, is implementing a similar program in 20 counties, including Murang’a, to reduce teenage pregnancies and support the re-entry of girls into schools.

Dr. Kangata also highlighted the county’s maternal support program, which encourages women to attend clinics, thereby reducing maternal deaths and birth complications. This program has already registered over 7,000 mothers.

Nominated Member of the County Assembly, Njeri Mwaniki, commended the initiative, noting its potential for long-lasting social and developmental benefits for the county.

In addition to the education-focused initiatives, Governor Kangata announced plans for a cultural celebration. The county is set to introduce a Gikuyu music festival, pending the approval of the supplementary budget. Scheduled for December 24, this festival will honor Murang’a’s music legends like Queen Jane and Demathew and aims to be the largest Gikuyu music festival ever held in the region.