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The Star newspaper journalist Stephen Astariko has bagged two awards for exceptional coverage of gender-related issues in the county.
Astariko, the Star Newspaper northeastern region correspondent, was named the best runner-up for the best news story and 2nd runner-up for the best overall story in the Imarisha Msichana Media Awards 2024.
The award-winning story painted a grim picture of girl child education in the county as it raised the alarm over rising school dropout cases among girls in Garissa, which according to 2022 research stands at 11 per cent.
The awards were presented by the Forum for African Women Educationalist Kenya (FAWEK) during the official launch of the Situational Analysis Report on teenage pregnancies in Kenya in 20 counties.
In his speech, Astariko, who boosts experience spanning 15 years in journalism, thanked his editors, friends, news sources for offering him moral support.
“This far I want to first and foremost thank the Almighty God because without him I would not be here. Special thanks to my family for being my cornerstone," Asatriko said.
"I also want to thank my editors and media house(The Star Kenya) for the support and guidance in my every step. I can’t also forget about the unwavering support of friends, news sources, because without them I surely would not have managed."
He added: “This award has pumped new energy in me, and I promise to continue not only highlighting the social ills that impair our girls from achieving their dreams but partner with all stakeholders in ensuring that we all create a safer, brighter future for Kenya's girls."
The NGO is also implementing a programme dubbed Imarisha Msichana aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies, early marriages, gender-based violence, and girl child education.
Among its key findings, the analysis found that teenage pregnancy among girls 15 to 18 years old stood at 27.4%.
The counties with the highest teenage pregnancy prevalence rates were Narok (43.3%), Kajiado (35.6%), and Turkana (34.2%), while the counties with the lowest teenage pregnancy rates were Nyeri (6%), Nyandarua (8%), and Muranga (9.2%).
According to the report, child marriage was most prominent in Garissa at 43%, with Turkana coming in second at 38%, Nairobi (22%), and Meru (14%).
The report further established that 18.6% Of girls in Kenya between 15 to 18 years old were in child marriages, signifying a reduction from 23% recorded in 2014 (KDHS:2014). In contrast, only 3% of boys in Kenya were married before the age of 18.
The report recommends parental education, family-life counselling, school mental health programmes, law and policy enforcement at all levels and financial assistance to girls and boys in need.
It also recommends implementing programmes in schools that increase awareness of the laws and policies on teen pregnancy in Kenya, conducting sensitization campaigns in schools, and establishing forums in schools that empower girls to speak out. An example is the Tuseme Clubs Implemented by FAWE under the Imarisha Msichana Program.
Speaking at the colourful event, Ms. Jeanette Valarie Nyanjom, CEO of FAWE-Kenya congratulated not only the winners but journalists as a whole for continuing to say that their dedication and commitment towards promoting girl child education cannot go unnoticed.
"We are honoured to celebrate these exceptional journalists who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to gender-responsive reporting. Your dedication to highlighting critical issues facing young girls in Kenya, from teenage pregnancy to educational barriers, is inspiring and invaluable," the FAWE president said.
"Thank you for using your platforms to drive awareness, advocate for change, and empower the next generation of girls. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future"she added.
Present during the award ceremony were Dr. Marygoretty Akinyi - FAWE Board, Ms. Jeanette Nyanjom - CEO FAWE Kenya, Mr. Nashon Kaloki - Lead Consultant, Prof. Hazel Mumbo - FAWE Africa, Jackline Muriuki - Kenya Redcross Society, Ms. Hannah Tsadik - Mastercard Foundation, Dr. Edna Lenku - First Lady, Kajiado County, Ms. Catherine Kanyaro - Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, and Ms. Catherine Matara from the Ministry of Education, State Department of Early Learning and Basic Education.