Although illegal in Kenya, child marriage is a cultural norm in Baringo, where girls are often seen as the property of their fathers and brothers to be sold for financial gain, often for 3 or 4 goats.

Early pregnancy is also very common, with many girls (if they were lucky to be in school) having to drop out of school because of it. There are extremely high poverty levels in Baringo (59%) and life can be very tough, especially if you’re a girl. 

This is Janet, when we took this photo in 2022 she was 16 and her daughter, Alphine was 3.  

When Janet turned 12 she fell pregnant and dropped out of school. She was unsure whether she would ever complete her primary education — but through the support of our Keeping Girls in School Project, and with encouragement from our local champions, she was able to rejoin. 

This year Janet has just started Form 1 in high school and her daughter has started grade 1 in primary school. 

Janet loves learning and is committed to working hard at school so she can achieve her dream of becoming a Secondary School Teacher, specialising in English. When she’s not studying she designs and makes beautiful beaded jewellery — a skill passed down to her from her mother.