Nairobi: Non-profit firm Zizi Afrique Foundation has partnered with the Ministry of Education (MoE) Policy and Partnership Department and the National Gender and Equality Commission to explore the School Re-Entry Policy among adolescent mothers in the context of nurturing care for children aged 0-3 years.
According to Kenya News Agency, adolescent motherhood has presented significant social and educational challenges in Kenya, despite the existence of policies advocating for universal education and gender equality. The Kenyan re-entry policy allows for the unconditional re-admission of adolescent mothers to school, but its implementation is hindered by challenges such as unclear directives, lack of monitoring systems, stigma, insufficient funding, limited parental involvement, financial constraints, and inadequate childcare services.
These barriers limit adolescent mothers’ ability to resume and sustain their education while also addressing their children’s needs. Despite studies on the school re-entry policy’s implementation, there is a lack of research on the wellbeing of children born to adolescent mothers.
In response, Zizi Afrique Foundation, alongside the MoE Policy and Partnership Department and the National Gender and Equality Commission, conducted a study between October and December 2024. The study aimed to generate evidence on the connection between the school re-entry policy and the wellbeing of children aged 0-3 years in Kenya, focusing on Samburu, Siaya, and Mombasa Counties.
The study explored barriers and drivers to school re-entry among adolescent mothers and examined the influence of re-entry or its absence on children’s wellbeing, guided by the Nurturing Care Framework. The findings highlighted high incidences of adolescent pregnancies, with Siaya at 21 percent, Samburu at 51 percent, and Mombasa at 17 percent, according to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey, 2022.
Adolescent pregnancies are perceived negatively, leading to stigma, isolation, and in severe cases, abortion. The study also noted school absenteeism, dropouts, difficulty completing school activities, unpreparedness for motherhood, and mental health issues among adolescent mothers.
The statement reiterated that most adolescent mothers come from low-income households, exacerbating the challenges of motherhood and increasing the risk of further pregnancies, especially for those with disabilities. The study also revealed minimal awareness and support for the re-entry policy, leading to a lack of understanding among stakeholders.
Stigma, financial challenges, lack of childcare facilities, and cultural practices further hinder re-entry. Many school administrators, parents, and girls are reluctant to discuss cases of re-admitted adolescent mothers, impeding tracking efforts.
However, the study identified enablers of school re-entry, such as family support, personal ambition, guidance from teachers, and support from state and non-state programs. A positive attitude and support for re-entry are crucial for helping adolescent mothers achieve their educational goals.
Despite being the primary caregivers, adolescent mothers often do not provide exclusive breastfeeding, leading to early introduction of complementary meals. Malnutrition cases were reported, especially in Samburu, alongside issues with antenatal care and healthcare-seeking behavior. Some children also faced risks from unsafe home environments and poor sanitation.
The partners recommend increasing awareness and enforcement of school re-entry policies, developing a monitoring framework, supporting adolescent mothers, engaging communities, and providing health and child well-being interventions.
