Teenage pregnancy remains a significant challenge in Kenya, with around 15% of girls aged 15–19 affected. This is driven by limited access to sexual and reproductive health education, poverty, exploitation, and child marriage. Young mothers face stigma and isolation, leading to poor mental health and increasing health risks for both mother and child. Without education or skills, many young mothers remain trapped in poverty, relying on unstable work and limited support.

Experience shows that community-based support can change this. Nasio’s Peer Education Programme has reduced teenage pregnancy rates in partner schools by 60%, and the introduction of Young Mothers Clubs (YMCs) has improved emotional support, knowledge, and practical skills to rebuild their confidence and independence.

This programme will provide 100 mothers in Kakamega County with targeted and tailored support: healthcare from trained medical professionals including eight free ante and post-natal visits, nutrition training and sensitisation in HIV prevention, immunisation for the child, and mother and child assessments; maternal sanitary pads and hygiene training; family planning awareness and contraception options.

Monthly Young Mothers Club sessions will be provided at Nasio’s ‘safe space’ where they can share their concerns and issues with other women in similar circumstances, helping rebuild their confidence and reduce isolation. The sessions will be facilitated by women staff.

All the mothers will also receive financial and entrepreneurship training, led by Nasio’s Community and Sustainable Livelihoods team, covering topics such as financial planning, book-keeping and marketing basics enabling them to manage money and plan for re-enrolment in school or vocational training.