The Role of High School Education in Curbing Teenage Pregnancy in Kiambaa Sub-county, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a substantial factor affecting leaning in our country. In our last year’s national examination, a high number of girls sat for their exams in hospitals either having delivered or just before delivering. More than 1000 pregnant girls sat for their exams in Kilifi county alone. Overall, an estimated 200 girls gave birth in the course of 2018 Kenya Certificate of Primary education(KCPE) and Kenya certificate of secondary education(KCSE) exams. It was also recorded that at least 449 girls missed to do their exams due to pregnancy related complications. Teenage pregnancy has also been reported in other counties such as Kwale, Kitui, Malindi, Taita Taveta among others. Teenage pregnancy can thus be deduced as a national problem affecting all counties in Kenya. The researcher endeavored upon exploring the various ways through which high school education can help curb teenage pregnancies in kiambaa sub county. Data was collected through questionnaires from 175 students, 16 teachers and 5 education officers found in the sub county, after which the data was analyzed through SPSS version 21.0. The analysis of the data enabled the researcher to establish a link between the study variables and the research problem. Young people were seen to be more likely to avoid teenage pregnancy when they believe in a positive future for themselves. Harmonious adult-youth interaction, acquisition of knowledge and skills on sexual matters by students and school community cooperation programs were seen as factors which lowers students’ tendency to engage in early sexual practices. The school was thus seen as one with potential of curbing teenage pregnancy by fostering education success among students, encouraging a harmonious adult-youth interaction, encouraging acquisition of knowledge and skills on sexual matters by the students and taking advantage of school-community cooperation programs in guiding students on sexual matters.