In a bold step towards transforming the lives of adolescent girls and young women, faith leaders from across Kilifi County have pledged their commitment to abandoning harmful social and gender norms.
This was during an occasion where Faith to Action Network commissioned its groundbreaking Interfaith Adolescent Girls’ Health Hub Project at Pwani University.
Speaking during the commissioning of the project at Pwani University, Kilifi Deputy Governor, Flora Chibule, emphasized the pivotal role that parents, communities, and leaders play in shaping the future of children, particularly young girls.
She underlined the powerful influence parents have, asserting that they hold the key to guiding and protecting their children’s morals and values in today’s rapidly evolving digital age.
“Even as we embrace the advancements in technology, parents must understand that they wear a larger, more significant hat than even the interfaith groups. It is our collective responsibility to nurture and safeguard the moral compass of our children,” Chibule said.
She also addressed the challenges posed by early pregnancies, a concern that continues to affect the educational journey of many young girls. She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to ensuring that young girls who become pregnant prematurely do not miss out on education.
“We have put in place strategic interventions that ensure girls who find themselves in such situations can still return to school, whether it’s primary or secondary. However, for those who may not wish to go back to the traditional classroom setting, we have introduced Vocational Training Colleges,” she explained.
“The vocational training programs do not require one to have a Form Four certificate. Even those with a Class 8 certificate can enroll and gain practical skills that will enable them to secure employment or start their businesses,” Chibule added.
With these efforts, Kilifi County aims to break the cycle of poverty and give young girls the tools they need to succeed in life, regardless of their circumstances.
Research conducted by the Faith to Action Network states that a large number of girls in Kilifi County never transition from Primary to Secondary School because of early marriages.
The CEO, Faith to Action, Peter Munene, highlighted that statistics from the research they conducted states that around 17.5% of girls in Cliffy County are the ones that transition from primary to secondary school.
That means over 82. 5% dropout, never transition to secondary school.
“When you look at 47.5% of girls between the ages of 13 and 18, child marriage occurs. It’s almost like half of the female population in Kilifi gets married at an early age,” Munene said.
The Commissioning brought together religious leaders, community influencers, gender advocates, and county officials in a show of unity and purpose, aimed at reshaping cultural narratives in Magarini and Rabai Sub-counties.
“This project is not just a program; it’s a movement towards dignity, equity, and health for our young people. Faith leaders have unmatched influence in their communities. With that influence comes the responsibility to protect, uplift, and empower.” Munene said.
The initiative, designed as a dynamic learning platform, seeks to tackle the deeply entrenched beliefs that fuel teenage pregnancy, limit girls’ opportunities, and sustain gender inequality. By leveraging the influence of the pulpit and the power of community dialogue, the project aims to ignite lasting social change from the grassroots.
The Interfaith Adolescent Girls’ Health Hub Project is anchored in three strategic areas: Challenging Harmful Norms by Addressing culturally rooted attitudes around gender roles and adolescent sexuality.
Strengthening Faith-Based Advocacy by equipping religious leaders with skills and resources to speak boldly for girls’ rights and health from faith-based perspectives.
Building Evidence for Change by Documenting community-driven solutions to inform wider policy and scale-up.
One of the Muslim religious leaders, Hassan Ali Kapombe, emphasized that while Islamic teachings permit marriage once a girl has completed traditional rites of passage, it is equally important to uphold national laws.
He noted that in Kenya, this includes ensuring that young women are of legal age and possess a national ID before marriage, reflecting a commitment to religious principles and the protection of girls’ rights under the law.
The project also marks a significant milestone for Faith to Action Network—a global alliance of over 215 religious organizations from various faiths, including Buddhists, Christians, Confucianists, Hindus, and Muslims, spanning 38 countries. The organization’s mission to promote family health, gender justice, and peaceful coexistence finds local expression through this targeted initiative.
The Kilifi launch is a testament to the growing recognition that faith communities are spiritual anchors and powerful agents of social change. By positioning religious leaders at the forefront of advocacy, the Health Hub Project aims to create safe, supportive environments where girls can thrive.
By Fatma Said
