The government has been urged to review the funding model by creating a framework to support teen mothers enrolled in institutions of higher learning saying they are a vulnerable group.
Spouse to Kakamega Governor Prof. Janet Kassily Barasa said teen mothers enrolled in those institutions should be formally recognised as vulnerable and prioritised for adequate educational support.
“We urge the government to re-examine its funding model for university students, especially those who are needy. We have different funding models for different groups and teen mothers are a vulnerable group so if we have a different and special funding for them it would be a good thing going forward,” she said.
Prof. Kassily noted that many teen mothers face financial and social challenges that hinder their ability to complete their studies, despite their determination to build better futures for themselves and their children.
Speaking in Kakamega to celebrate the first cohort of teen mothers who sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.S.C.E.) and are supported by her organisation, the Janet Barasa Foundation, Prof. Kassily emphasised that targeted funding would help reduce dropout rates and promote equal access to education.
She called on other stakeholders, including development partners, non-governmental organisations, and well-wishers, to complement government efforts by supporting initiatives aimed at empowering teen mothers through education while addressing teen pregnancies in the county.
“I encourage the teen mothers who have not made it to university to join colleges or polytechnics so that they can actualise their livelihoods. I therefore urge stakeholders to join us to support the teen mother joining colleges or polytechnics,” she added.
Prof. Kassily initiated the Janet Barasa Foundation in 2023 to trace and take teenage mothers who dropped out of school due to pregnancy back to class.
She also called on parents and guardians not to ignore their girls who in one way or another, get pregnant but instead offer them support to realize their dreams.
She said two of the teen mothers obtained a minimum grade of C-plus and above and will therefore be joining university while the other will proceed to various colleges and polytechnics.
By George Kaiga
