Out-of-School Girls Face Higher Risk of Early Pregnancy, New Gender Report Warns
By Samson Kurgat – Nairobi, Kenya
The new Gender Report 2026, released by Usawa Agenda, has revealed that out-of-school teenage girls are 12 times more likely to experience early pregnancy compared to girls who remain in school.
The report, launched on Tuesday, paints a worrying picture of persistent gender inequalities in Kenya’s education system, despite progress made in improving access to learning.
According to the findings, the teaching profession becomes increasingly male-dominated at higher education levels. Women account for 58 per cent of teachers in primary schools and 51 per cent in junior schools, but only 43 per cent in senior schools. The report further shows that science and mathematics subjects in senior schools are largely taught by male teachers, while boys’ schools continue to enjoy better access to learning resources than girls’ schools.
Education stakeholders warned that these disparities could undermine efforts to achieve gender equality in education.
Speaking during the launch, the CHALAN Foundation Founder and CEO, Margaret Koech, said an inclusive education system must support both girls and boys equally.
“The strongest education system is one that promotes learning opportunities for every child, regardless of gender or background. If we are to succeed in programmes that support girls, we must not leave boys behind,” she said.
Mandera South MP and member of the Parliamentary Education Committee, Abdul Haro, called for collective efforts to strengthen the education sector and create safer learning environments.
“A gender-transformative education system ensures that every child accesses education and learns in a conducive environment that protects the dignity of all learners,” he said.
Dr. Josephine Obonyo, from the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, noted that the report offers critical evidence for policy reforms aimed at addressing inequities in school safety and resource allocation.
Ministry of Education representative Stephen Barongo emphasized the importance of keeping girls in school, saying longer school retention could significantly reduce cases of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and poverty.
“If we can give girls a little more time in school, we would significantly reduce the rates of early marriage, early pregnancy, and even poverty levels,” he said.
