Adolescent motherhood poses considerable social and educational challenges in Kenya, even with policies in place that promote universal education and gender equality. The Kenyan school re-entry policy permits the unconditional re-admission of adolescent mothers, but its execution faces numerous obstacles, such as vague guidelines, lack of monitoring, stigma from peers and educators, insufficient funding, limited parental engagement, financial hardships, and inadequate childcare options. These challenges greatly hinder adolescent mothers from continuing their education while managing their caregiving responsibilities.
Although various studies have looked into the implementation of the school re-entry policy, there has been little focus on the wellbeing of children born to adolescent mothers. To address this oversight, Zizi Afrique Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Policy and Basic Education Affairs Department and the National Gender and Equality Commission, conducted a study to explore the relationship between the school re-entry policy and the wellbeing of children aged 0-3 years in Kenya. This research was conducted from October to December 2024 in Samburu, Siaya, and Mombasa counties.
Key Findings
The study investigated the barriers and facilitators to school re-entry for adolescent mothers and evaluated the effects of re-entry, or the lack of it, on children’s wellbeing, using the Nurturing Care Framework as a guide. The results reveal a high incidence of adolescent pregnancies, with variations among the three counties, consistent with the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (2022):
Siaya County – 21% prevalence
Samburu County – 51% prevalence
Mombasa County – 17% prevalence
Many participants described adolescent pregnancy as ‘rampant’, underscoring its widespread effects. In Samburu County, school records show that about six girls drop out each term due to pregnancy, amounting to roughly 20 cases annually.
Despite the high prevalence
Adolescent pregnancy continues to carry a stigma, often viewed as a breach of societal expectations. This stigma can result in feelings of shame, social isolation, school dropout, and, in some instances, abortion.
Challenges Faced by Adolescent Mothers
Educational Disruptions: Adolescent mothers frequently deal with absenteeism, challenges in completing school assignments, and difficulties in balancing their education with childcare responsibilities.
Mental Health Concerns: Many of these young mothers report feelings of stress, shame, and a lack of preparedness for the responsibilities of motherhood.
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Economic Hardships: A significant number of adolescent mothers come from low-income families, which leads to financial struggles in supporting their children and increases the likelihood of subsequent pregnancies.
Minimal Awareness and Support for Re-Entry Policy: There is often a lack of understanding among various stakeholders, including school officials, parents, and even the adolescent mothers themselves, regarding the policies in place, resulting in ineffective implementation.
Lack of Childcare Facilities: The absence of dedicated childcare options in schools makes it difficult for adolescent mothers to concentrate on their studies.
Stigma and Discrimination: Negative attitudes from peers, educators, and the community further hinder the re-entry process.
Impact on Child Wellbeing
The study highlighted several issues concerning the care and development of children born to adolescent mothers:
Malnutrition: Some children, particularly in Samburu County, exhibited signs of malnutrition.
Healthcare Gaps: Although immunizations were administered, there were delays in accessing antenatal care and seeking healthcare services.
Unsafe Home Environments: Limited supervision, poor sanitation, and hazardous living conditions posed risks to the development of these children.
Inadequate Breastfeeding: Many adolescent mothers were unable to exclusively breastfeed for the recommended six months due to their educational obligations, leading to the early introduction of complementary foods.
Enablers of Successful School Re-Entry
Despite the obstacles, the study identified several factors that can support school re-entry for adolescent mothers:
Family Support – Particularly from female caregivers, who play a crucial role in this process.
Personal Ambition and Motivation – Many adolescent mothers show a strong desire to finish their education.
Guidance and Counseling – Support from teachers and mentors is essential in motivating these young women to return to school.
Interventions by State and Non-State Actors – A variety of programs offer both financial and psychological assistance.
Positive Attitudes Towards Re-Entry – Community support plays a significant role in enhancing school retention rates.
Recommendations
To facilitate school re-entry for adolescent mothers and promote better child wellbeing, the study suggests:
Increasing Awareness and Enforcement of School Re-Entry Policies – Enhancing communication and enforcement of policies within schools and communities.
Developing a Clear Monitoring Framework – Creating systems to track re-entry cases and their outcomes.
Providing Support for Adolescent Mothers – Increasing access to financial aid, counseling, and mentorship opportunities.
Enhancing Community Engagement – Fostering community involvement to diminish stigma and build a supportive atmosphere.
Improving Health and Child Wellbeing Interventions – Setting up school-based childcare facilities and strengthening nutritional and healthcare programs for young children.
