• Kenya is currently grappling with spiraling teenage pregnancy rates.
• Data by Kenya Health Information Systems shows that in the first five months of 2023, Kenya recorded over 110,821 pregnancies among adolescents aged between 10 to 19.
Image: HANDOUTS
Gender advocates want sex education intensified in Kenyan schools.
Through the #BreakTheCycle campaign, they have urged the government to introduce Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools.
Kenya is currently grappling with spiraling teenage pregnancy rates.
Data by the Kenya Health Information Systems shows that in the first five months of 2023, the country recorded over 110,821 pregnancies among adolescents aged between 10 to 19.
Of these, 6,110 were in the 10 to 14 age group, whereas 104,711 were aged between 15 and 19 years old.
To highlight the seriousness of this crisis and to urge the government to introduce CSE in schools, Nguvu Change Leaders have joined forces for a digital movement called #BreakTheCycle.
Three champions for the campaign put out ‘silent’ videos across their social media.
They appealed for 'Zero Teenage Pregnancy’ to #BreakTheCycle of gaps in sexual and reproductive health rights for young people in Kenya.
With placards bearing the messages, the videos are an urgent appeal to destigmatise sex education in a conservative society, inviting people to demonstrate their support through a simple gesture.
"I was raised by a single mother who faced the harsh realities of early pregnancy, and I have witnessed the struggles and sacrifices firsthand," adolescent health advocate and Nguvu Change leader Sylvia Awinja said.
"No one should endure what my mother went through or what countless young mothers face today. We launched #BreakTheCycle as a powerful collective action, because we believe every young woman deserves to know her sexual and reproductive health rights,” she added.
The campaigners have been shedding light on the common yet unsafe behaviours prevalent across Kenya which often lead to a higher risk of STIs and teenage pregnancies.
Awinja said the #BreakTheCycle movement aims to amplify the critically important conversation around Comprehensive Sex Education through similar videos across their social media platforms.
Tasline Otieno took cognisance of the teenage pregnancy crisis in her Kosoko village in Homa Bay County.
She emphasised its risky consequences, including birth complications, HIV/AIDS infections, postpartum depression and gender-based violence.
"As someone who has seen the impact of teenage pregnancies up close, I can't stay silent. I have watched dreams crumble and we need to urgently break the cycle by providing education, erasing the stigma and offering hope to make sure every child's future is defined by opportunities, not obstacles,” she said.
The movement was started earlier this year through online petitions which have gathered support from over 3000 people in Kenya.
Dambalash Males, a youth advocate with Network for Adolescent And Youth of Africa said it is not just about signing a petition but a gesture of solidarity to extend a helping hand and compassion to every single youth.
“We are appealing to the National Assembly and the Ministry of Education to grant access to age-appropriate human sexuality education both for school and out-of-school programmes. Our digital campaigns are a pivotal step in our Break The Cycle movement and we hope more people will join us with their stories to drive change,” Males said.
“The need for CSE in Kenyan schools is urgent and as more voices join this campaign, there is hope that, empowered with information and support, the Kenyan youth will learn to navigate their challenges with success and confidence,” he said.