SIAYA: Siaya County government has teamed up with Forum for African Women Educationalists Kenya (FAWE-Kenya) and Mastercard Foundation to help teen mothers who had to drop out of school due to pregnancy.

The project, called Imarisha Msichana, aims not only to bring these girls back to school but also to support them to stay and thrive.

Everlyne Amunga, Siaya County FAWE-Kenya coordinator, explained, “Many girls had to leave school because of pregnancy and financial challenges. We’re working with the county government, education ministry, and others to make sure they can return to school.”

Siaya has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Kenya, standing at 21 percent according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. It’s the eighth highest in the country and the third highest in the Nyanza region, after Homa Bay and Migori Counties.

Maida Nyawade, Siaya County Director for Youth Affairs, emphasized the need for intervention, saying, “We’re tackling teen pregnancy, HIV, and gender-based violence. This project focuses on bringing teen mothers back to school.”