Nairobi, 9th October 2025
Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) today marked the International Day of the Girl Child by launching a specialized agenda under the theme: ” The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Teen Mothers on the Frontlines in Nairobi.” In a key address delivered by Maryam Dahir, County Chief Officer (CCO) who also affirmed the county’s commitment towards recognizing teen mothers not as victims, but as resilient leaders capable of driving positive change across the county.
“This year’s theme reminds us that our girls, including teen mothers, are not just beneficiaries of support but leaders in their own right,” said Ms. Dahir. “We are committed to recognizing and investing in their potential so that they can drive positive change within their families, communities and our county at large.”
Ms. Dahir highlighted the challenges faced by young mothers in areas like Mathare, including interrupted education, economic vulnerability, and societal stigma.
“The County Government outlined four key pillars of support that are already underway; Re-entry and Support by expanding childcare facilities to allow teen mothers to successfully return to school, pursue vocational training, or engage in stable work; Health and Agency by providing teen-friendly sexual and reproductive health services in county facilities, empowering girls with knowledge and agency over their bodies and futures; economic empowerment by linking teen mothers to financial institutions and savings groups to access capital, enabling them to start businesses and secure their economic future and offering skills training by forging strong partnerships with TVET institutions to equip teen mothers with market-ready skills in areas like tailoring, ICT, mechanics, and hospitality.” Said Jane Gichure, Director, Social Services.
Today’s celebration featured powerful interactive sessions where teen mothers shared their lived realities, detailing the daily challenges of re-entry to education, time management and the complex balancing act of motherhood with school or employment. The session culminated in a powerful, inspiring testimony from a young mother who successfully returned to school and is now completing a diploma in Early Childhood Development (ECD). Her journey emphasized perseverance and hope, serving as a critical source of inspiration for other young mothers in the audience.
Ms. Dahir emphasized that these efforts are aligned directly with Governor Sakaja Johnson’s manifesto of “Order, Dignity, Hope and Opportunity for all, all elements that prioritize affordable, dignified healthcare and the expansion of school feeding programs to ensure all children, including those of young mothers, remain in school.
“We will continue to create spaces where our teen’s voices are respected and their potential is unlocked. Let us build a county where every girl can grow free from violence, free from stigma, free from poverty, where every girl can thrive, dream, and achieve her fullest potential. You are defined by your courage, your dreams and your determination.” CCO Dahir concluded.
Ends/…