Narok County has been ranked fourth in the country for teenage pregnancy, with a prevalence rate of 28 per cent, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS).
This places Narok behind Samburu (50 per cent), West Pokot (36 per cent), and Marsabit (29 per cent), significantly higher than the national average of 15 per cent.
Despite the high rate, stakeholders have noted significant progress compared to the 2014 survey, when Narok had the highest rate at 40 per cent.
Reports from the Department of Health indicate that over 4,000 girls attend their first antenatal clinics annually across the county.
The fate of these young mothers led us to Sekenani in Narok West Sub-county, where a group of young mothers, known as ‘Binti Shupavu,’ has come together to improve their lives post-pregnancy.
Upon arrival, we found dozens of girls working together to create various products, including liquid soap, beadwork, and reusable pads and napkins, which they sell to support themselves.
They were focused, friendly, and engaged in their income-generating activities, which have become their daily routine.
Nineteen-year-old Diana Kiminta shared her story.
She became pregnant in Form Two and had to leave school to care for her child.
After intervention by the area chief, her parents eventually allowed her to return to school, where she completed her national exams in 2023.
Diana’s grandmother, her sole guardian, had struggled to support her and considered early marriage as an option.
Fortunately, a friend introduced Diana to Binti Shupavu, where she joined other young mothers to work on income-generating projects.
“Since joining this group in February 2024, I have learned many skills that help me earn a living. The group has given me hope of becoming a successful businesswoman in the future,” Diana said.
Twenty-one-year-old Mercy Keleto faced a similar fate. She had just joined the University of Nairobi to pursue a diploma when she became pregnant.
Her parents withdrew their support, and she was forced to drop out.
Mercy joined Binti Shupavu earlier this year, where she and her peers receive guidance and counseling to improve their lives.
Another member, Susan Wanjiru, became pregnant in Form Four and had to leave school before her final exams.
Now a group leader, Wanjiru emphasized the importance of coming together for support.
“Being together has improved our confidence. We share our experiences and motivate each other to envision a bright future. That’s why we formed this group,” she explained.
The group has received support from Population Services Kenya, sponsored by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).
This organization focuses on sexual and reproductive health for vulnerable young girls, providing moral support, financial literacy training, decision-making guidance, and school fees for those who wish to complete their education.
Wanjiru highlighted that the group operates under a constitution that guides their activities.
Income from their products is deposited into a shared bank account and distributed equally among members.
“We aspire to be renowned businesspeople and entrepreneurs. Though our beginning is small, we believe our future will be great,” she said.
Wanjiru also advised teenage girls to avoid engaging in sexual activity while in school, warning of the consequences that could lead to dropping out and early marriage.
“I advise my fellow girls to stay focused on their studies and not fall into the hands of men with ill intentions. Their future is very bright if they stay on the right path,” she reiterated.
Narok Children Services Director, Pilot Khaemba, commended the efforts of non-state actors who have helped reduce teenage pregnancy rates in the county from 40 per cent in 2014 to 28 per cent in 2022.
He called on stakeholders to continue mentoring young people, aiming to reduce the prevalence to below 10 per cent.
Khaemba urged parents to spend quality time with their children during holidays to understand their issues and guide them on the right path.
Religious leader Reverend Fred Lemama attributed teenage pregnancies in Narok to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), noting that many girls perceive themselves as mature enough for sexual activity after undergoing the cut.
He condemned the harmful practice and urged mothers to guide and counsel their daughters to avoid engaging in immoral behavior.
