Let Girls Be Girls - How Njeri Kabiru is Breaking the Cycle of Teenage Pregnancy in Kenya

Introduction

In March 2025, Catherine Njeri Kabiru, Chief Executive Officer of Teenage Mums Empowerment, delivered a bold and timely message that echoed across communities in Kenya: teenage pregnancy is not just a personal issue—it is a societal crisis that demands urgent attention, accountability, and systemic change. At the heart of her message was a simple but powerful question, posed in Swahili: “Kama chipo inakushinda kununua, mtoto ndo utalea?”—“If buying fries is a struggle, how will you raise a child?” This rhetorical question, both humorous and sobering, captured the essence of a deeper truth: many teenage pregnancies are the result of exploitation, misinformation, and a lack of accountability, particularly among men.

A Mission to Empower, Not Burden

Teenage Mums Empowerment, based in Nairobi, is a grassroots organisation dedicated to supporting teenage mothers, school dropout girls, and refugee women. Through vocational training, mentorship, and advocacy, the organization helps young women rebuild their lives and reclaim their futures. But its mission goes beyond rehabilitation—it is also about prevention. Catherine Kabiru and her team are committed to creating a society where girls are free to dream, learn, and grow without the burden of early parenthood. “Every girl deserves a bright future,” Kabiru says. “Let’s work together to break the cycle of teenage pregnancy and create a society where girls can focus on their education and aspirations.”

Understanding the Root Causes

Teenage pregnancy in Kenya is often driven by a complex web of factors: poverty, lack of access to education, gender inequality, cultural norms, and the absence of comprehensive sexual education. Many girls are lured into transactional relationships with older men who offer small gifts or money in exchange for sex. These relationships are not consensual in the true sense—they are exploitative and deeply harmful. Kabiru emphasises that prevention must begin with addressing these root causes. “Ending teenage pregnancy requires a shift in focus,” she explains. “It’s not just about warning girls—it’s about educating boys and men, holding them accountable, and creating systems that protect and empower young people.”

Accountability and Male Responsibility

One of the most critical aspects of Teenage Mums Empowerment’s advocacy is the call for male accountability. Too often, the burden of teenage pregnancy falls solely on the girl, while the men involved face little to no consequences. This imbalance perpetuates cycles of exploitation and injustice. Kabiru challenges this norm head-on. “We need more forums and national conversations that challenge harmful norms and encourage men to be part of the solution,” she says. “Accountability must be at the centre of this fight.” The organisation advocates for stronger legal protections for minors, better enforcement of existing laws, and community-based interventions that educate men and boys about consent, respect, and responsibility.

Empowering Girls Through Education and Opportunity

While prevention is key, Teenage Mums Empowerment also focuses on supporting girls who have already experienced early motherhood. The organization offers vocational training in areas such as tailoring, baking, and digital literacy, providing young mothers with practical skills that can lead to financial independence. These programs are designed not only to equip girls with income-generating abilities but also to restore their confidence and sense of purpose. Many of the girls who come through the program have faced stigma, rejection, and trauma. At Teenage Mums Empowerment, they find a safe space to heal, grow, and rebuild their lives.

Changing the Narrative

Teenage Mums Empowerment is also working to change the way society views teenage mothers. Instead of shame and blame, the organisation promotes empathy, support, and empowerment. It encourages communities to see these young women not as failures, but as survivors—resilient individuals who, with the right support, can thrive and lead. The organisation’s campaigns, often shared through social media and community events, use powerful messaging and relatable language to engage the public. Hashtags like #LetGirlsBeGirls, #EmpowerHer, and #HerFutureMatters are more than slogans—they are rallying cries for a movement that seeks to protect and uplift.

Voices of Transformation

The impact of Teenage Mums Empowerment is best illustrated through the stories of the girls it serves. One such story is that of Annette Kirimi, a young mother who found support and direction through the organisation. Raised by a single father, Annette reflects on how a lack of knowledge contributed to her early pregnancy. But through the support of Teenage Mums Empowerment, she discovered her voice and her value. “Don’t think of a man,” she says. “Think of yourself. Think of your own brand.” Her words echo the organisation’s core message: that every girl has the right to define her own future.

A Call to Collective Action

Kabiru’s message is clear: ending teenage pregnancy is not the responsibility of girls alone. It requires a collective effort—from parents, teachers, community leaders, policymakers, and especially men. “Speak up. Step up. Take action,” she urges. The organisation calls for comprehensive sexual education in schools, stronger enforcement of child protection laws, and more investment in programs that support girls’ education and empowerment. It also encourages open conversations in homes and communities about consent, respect, and healthy relationships.

Looking Ahead

As Teenage Mums Empowerment continues its work, it remains grounded in the belief that change is possible—and necessary. The road ahead is long, but the vision is clear: a Kenya where girls are free to be children, to learn, to dream, and to lead. Under Catherine Njeri Kabiru’s leadership, the organisation is not only transforming lives—it is transforming mindsets. It is challenging harmful norms, demanding accountability, and building a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive. In her words and actions, one message rings loud and clear: let girls be girls. Protect their futures. Empower, don’t exploit.