The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on Kenya extends beyond public health, revealing a tragic increase in teenage pregnancies as schools remain closed and social structures disrupted. With educational institutions shuttered for nearly a year to curb the virus’s spread, many young girls have been left vulnerable, facing poverty, lack of supervision, and heightened risks.
In the densely populated Kabiria community of Nairobi, 16-year-old Victoria’s story reflects the struggles of many adolescents during this unprecedented time. With her school closed and limited parental guidance, Victoria found herself idle and isolated. Seeking companionship, she entered a relationship, only to discover she was pregnant a month later. Her boyfriend abandoned her upon learning of the pregnancy, leaving her feeling hopeless and considering extreme actions.
“He thought he was going to be arrested,” Victoria explained. Overwhelmed and alone, it was her mother who convinced her to keep the baby, promising support despite their challenging circumstances.
Kenya, home to one of the largest populations in Africa, has long grappled with high rates of teenage pregnancies—74 per 1,000 teens in 2019 compared to the global average of 42 per 1,000. The pandemic has exacerbated these numbers, with anecdotal reports suggesting significant increases in 2020, though official statistics are pending.
Non-governmental organizations operating in the region have observed worrying trends. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported that in Lodwar, teenage pregnancies among their clients nearly tripled to 625 between June and August 2020, up from 226 the previous year. Similar increases were noted in the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps.
Martha Mwende, founder of the Real Hope Group—a community-based organization providing support to at-risk girls—highlighted the dire situation. “In times of crisis, they’ve easily become the bait to predators,” she said. With economic hardship intensifying, essential items like sanitary pads have become luxuries, forcing some girls into exploitative situations. “Some even have to trade sex for money to buy these essentials,” Mwende added.
The psychological toll on these young women is profound. Many face depression and have limited access to counseling or support services. Mwende emphasized the urgent need for government initiatives to address the rising tide of teenage pregnancies and provide necessary resources.
For girls like Victoria, the pandemic has derailed their aspirations. “If not for school closure, my plan was to finish school, go to college, and become a chef,” she shared. As Kenya navigates the challenges posed by COVID-19, the stories of these teenagers underscore the pandemic’s far-reaching impact on society’s most vulnerable members.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
