A child's future should not be negotiated away.

Early Marriage

Child marriage remains a serious issue in Kenya and is closely linked to poverty, low education, and gender inequality. Nationally, about 23% of girls are married before age 18, and 4% are married before age 15. In some communities and regions, the rates are much higher.

Early marriage is often driven by economic hardship, social norms, pregnancy-related pressure, and limited access to schooling. For many families, marriage is seen as a way to reduce financial burden, but the result is often the loss of a child’s education, childhood, and future opportunities.

The consequences are severe. Girls who marry early are more likely to face poor health outcomes, domestic violence, early pregnancy, school dropout, and continued dependence. Early marriage also reinforces cycles of poverty, since children who leave school early are less likely to earn a stable income later in life.

Kenya Works Response

Kenya Works supports efforts to delay marriage and keep children in school by working with families, communities, and local leaders. Preventing child marriage requires both advocacy and practical support for children’s safety, dignity, and education.