In the recently released Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, more girls than boys sat the national high school exams—a historic gender milestone since the inception of the 8-4-4 curriculum in 1989. Of the candidates, 482,202 were female (50.1%) and 480,310 were male (49.9%), reversing the previous year’s trend. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that 246,391 candidates (25.5%) attained the minimum university entry grade of C+ and above, a significant rise from 22.27% in 2023. He emphasized that these students would join universities, while others would be placed in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Previously, it was observed that enrollment numbers to primary school were higher for girls than for boys. However, the transition to secondary school saw more boys enrolled than girls. This has been a worrying trend that guaranteed discrepancies in the transition to higher education. Studies show that among the reasons for poor transition of girls to secondary school,  financial constraint is the biggest barrier in transition from primary to secondary school and onwards to higher education; girls with caregivers working in the informal employment sector are four times more likely to face this challenge than those whose caregivers work in the formal sector.

FAWE’s Tuseme model (Kiswahili for “Let us speak out”) empowers girls and boys to identify, articulate, and address challenges affecting their education. Under the Imarisha Msichana Program, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, FAWE worked to reduce teenage pregnancy in Kenya by establishing Mother’s Clubs—safe learning spaces for young mothers in five counties. The four-year program also launched Tuseme Clubs in 160 schools across 20 counties, fostering student empowerment. The impact of these clubs was evident in the recently released KCSE results, where some members achieved outstanding performance.

Mary’s Triumph Amidst Great Odds

Meet Mary Wanjiru Mbugua, from Murungaru town in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, whose story is like no other. Mary was just a teenager when she fell pregnant in 2020. She lost all hope in ever realizing her dream of completing her education when she was forced to drop out of school as her parents could not support her and her child.

 

Photo caption: Mary Wanjiru Mbugua, a student from Murungaru Secondary school, Nyandarua during the GIMAC Conference in Ghana on 15th July 2024.

 

 

 

In June 2022, her life took a turn for the better when she enrolled back in school. She joined the Tuseme club where she was mentored and supported to cope with her unique situation as a teen student mother; a fact that saw her teased and taunted by her schoolmates. She was able to gain hope and confidence, and finally rose to serve in TUSEME Club, as the chairperson where she championed for protection of girls from abuse and teenage pregnancies and involvement of girls in STEM education and promoted environmental conservation with the support of the Green Belt Movement. She was also elected to serve as the Head girl in school, inspiring other girls to be leaders.

In 2024, Mary sat for her KCSE examinations at Murungaru Secondary School and she score an overall grade of B (PLAIN). This stellar performance will see her secure a spot in one of Kenya’s universities in the ongoing placements. She is planning to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, as well be a role model to girls that despite past situations, one is not limited to achieving their goals. With the support of organizations like FAWE, she intends to be a mentor to support teen mothers re-enroll back to school and revive their dreams. The school management has offered her an opportunity where she is currently serving as a mentor to her peers.

In her own words, Mary says,

“I would like to thank FAWE for their input towards girls’ and women empowerment. All the good that you do will continue to transform the girl child and society in general. It is my belief that FAWE is like an oasis in a desert to many girls. You have extended hope to those of us who only saw darkness in our paths. I personally thank you wholeheartedly for allowing me to be part of your story. The journey to the Gender is My Agenda Campaign Conference, Ghana to represent FAWE in the launch of FAWE’s School Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV) Manual in July 2024 was the apex of any schoolgirl’s dream. Continue to hold the light for others. God bless you monumentally.  Thank you.”

As students face life’s challenges, it is noticeable that life’s ebbs and flows present uniqueness in its course. Tuseme clubs are not only for teenage mothers who have secured a second chance at education through re-entry back to school. Sharlyne’s story below shows how Tuseme has been a blessing in the most unexpected ways.

Sharlyne Achieng’s Best Gain from Tuseme Clubs

Sharlyne Achieng’ hails from Bungoma County. Her hope to continue with her education was shattered when her mother passed away in 2020 during the December holidays. She scored 313 marks when the KCPE results were released a few days later. Her maternal aunt took her in however, instead of taking her to school, she did her work as a bar maid in a local bar where she was arrested for working as an underage worker. Sharlyne ran away after being released to stay with her maternal uncle who took her to secondary school. This was unfortunately short lived as she had to momentarily drop out due to internal family matters. Sharlyne then found a well-wisher who took her back to school where she joined Tuseme Club.

 

 

Photo caption: Sharlyne Achieng’ shares her story during the Imarisha Msichana Program review meeting in Bungoma in 2024. 

 

 

 

Together with other members, Sharlyne Achieng got deeply involved in the activities of the club.  Members began speaking out about the challenges that were affecting them and with specialized guidance from patrons, they started to share experiences that included academic and social hindrances to their development. It was at this point that Sharlyne shared her challenges with the patrons of the club. She had been rescued by a well-wisher who, however, could not pay for her school fees. Through the club, she managed to get another well-wisher who supported her with school fees.

Soon, Sharlyne’s social and academic life began changing positively. With a surety of accommodation and fee payment, she started improving in her academic work. Socially, she gained the confidence to say NO to socio-cultural activities that undermine the well-being and the development of a girl child. Through her active participation, she represented the club in various forums organized by FAWE in the county due.

Before joining Tuseme Club, her performance was at D+ and below but she began to improve. Her behaviour was exemplary in school which enabled her to guide other learners in school. Sharlyne sat for KCSE in 2024 and scored a C+ grade, qualifying for direct entry to university. She desires to have a career in the health sector.

When interviewed at the Imarisha Msichana review meeting, Sharlyne said,

“Tuseme club is a blessing to me, I never had the courage to stand in front of people and address them, but through Tuseme and the teachings in the club, I gained courage to talk about issues affecting me, I didn’t have a place to stay but through Tuseme I was able to get a well-wisher to support me with school fees and a place to call home.”, Sharlyne when she was sharing her story during the IMP review meeting in Bungoma in 2024.

Mary and Sharlyne’s stories are some of the many positive stories to emerge from the installation of Tuseme Clubs in schools in Kenya. Each student who joins the club has a unique positive story to tell about the club’s impact in their lives and the lives of those close to them. Tuseme Clubs is the gift that keeps on giving.