Balancing Between Books and Babies

Sisters defy all odds in Narok County

In many parts of the world, extreme poverty is a serious issue for young girls, particularly for those who have recently become mothers. This situation often hinders their education and limits their economic opportunities.

Two sisters are defiling the odds in Olomismis location, Narok County where majority of the young girls drop out of school to marry early or where the same girls during early marriages and teenage pregnancies are able to reveal.

Lanoi, a 17-year-old high school student, is a mother who faces the challenge of balancing her education with parenting. She is determined to finish her schooling and provide a better future for herself, despite the obstacles she faces. (Her name has been altered to protect her privacy and allow her to share her story freely.) Lanoi's situation highlights the challenges that young girls, particularly those in rural areas, often encounter early in life, affecting their education and personal development.

Despite the challenges, Lanoi is resolute in finishing her education to create a better future. Her aspiration is to complete high school and pursue higher education at her dream college. "I was taken aback by the unexpected pregnancy at a young age. The fear of mockery and stigma from my peers weighed heavily on me," Lanoi confides.

Lanoi's family provides essential support that enables her to balance her roles as a student and a mother. Her older sister, Senoi, who is also a parent, assists with childcare, allowing Lanoi to pursue her education. Lanoi has adjusted her schedule to accommodate both school and her child's needs. Senoi provides care, particularly when Lanoi attends school. Lanoi prioritizes her baby's well-being by breastfeeding before attending classes, showcasing her dedication to both her education and motherhood.

The student is determined to finish high school and attend college despite the challenges she faces. Her situation at home motivates her to achieve her goals. However, balancing her responsibilities as a mother and a student has been difficult. Her determination is remarkable in light of the high rates of teenage pregnancy and school dropout in Kenya. Narok County, where she resides, has the highest teenage pregnancy rate, and many girls in her age group are pregnant or have had children.

In a 2024 study by the Women Lobby Forum for African Women Educationalists-Kenya, Narok County had the highest rate of teenage pregnancies, with 43.3%. The study found that teenage pregnancy among girls aged 15 to 18 was also high in 27 counties, including Narok. Approximately 25% of girls between 10 and 19 years old in Kenya are currently pregnant or have given birth.

David Lemiso, head of Kilgoris' TVET program, highlights that the alarming number of teenage pregnancies among female students poses a serious obstacle to their education. He emphasizes the importance of not only assisting these young mothers but also prioritizing preventive measures, reproductive health education, and support systems that enable them to stay in school. As educators and community leaders, it is imperative to work together to foster a secure and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly girls.

In March 2024, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) declared that the problem of teenage pregnancy was a human rights violation. A report by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) showed that 696 young girls became pregnant every day in 2023. This caused the KHRC to start a campaign called "red card." They gave "red cards" to 20 governors, including Patrick Ole Ntutu of Narok County, who had 176 cases.

Teenage mothers often experience difficulties in continuing their education. Caring for a child, negative societal attitudes, and a lack of support from schools can make it hard for them to succeed. Many schools don't provide enough help for teen mothers, such as counseling and support for catching up on missed work. This can hurt their academic performance and make them more likely to drop out of school.

Efforts are being made to combat underage marriage by enhancing laws and regulations that protect children and girls' rights. Despite these efforts, there's still a lack of awareness of these policies among school staff, teenage mothers, their families, and communities. Additionally, fostering a society that values girls equally will not only reduce underage pregnancies but also enhance the lives of girls who are already married.

The story of Lanoi and her sister Senoi showcases their unwavering determination as young mothers facing challenges and pursuing education as a path to overcome them.