The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all school-going girls who have given birth in Narok County are allowed to return to school.
Speaking in Narok town, County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia stressed the importance of giving young mothers a second chance at education.
“Although these girls have given birth, they still have a right to education,” said Lotiatia. “We must not allow motherhood to mark the end of their dreams.”
He urged parents to play an active role in supporting their daughters, encouraging them to help care for the infants so the young mothers can resume their studies.
“Parents must step up and support their daughters through this difficult phase,” he said. “Let them assist in raising the children so these girls can return to class and continue building their futures.” he said.
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Lotiatia also issued a call to local chiefs and community leaders to ensure the girls are re-enrolled in school, warning that early motherhood should not be used as an excuse to cut short a girl’s academic journey.
“We are calling on chiefs and all local leaders to take responsibility and make sure these girls return to school,” he added. “It is our collective duty to help them pursue their dreams.”
The issue of teenage pregnancy remains a significant concern in Narok County. While recent data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 shows a decline in teen pregnancy rates—from 40% in 2014 to 28% in 2022—the county still faces numerous challenges.
These include harmful cultural practices such as child marriage, poverty, limited access to reproductive health services, and inadequate sexual education. All of these factors continue to fuel adolescent pregnancies, often leading to long-term social and health consequences for young girls.
Education stakeholders and rights groups have also called for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the issue, emphasizing the need for community awareness, better reproductive health services, and support systems within schools for young mothers.
Lotiatia emphasized that empowering girls through education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and inequality in the region.
“When we educate a girl, we empower a whole community,” he said. “No girl should be left behind because of motherhood.”
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
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