Child marriage remains a pervasive issue in Kenya, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. Approximately 23% of Kenyan girls are married before the age of 18, according to the KDHS 2022. Factors such as poverty, lack of access to education, and entrenched gender norms drive families to marry off their daughters early, often as a means of alleviating economic burdens. Girls forced into early marriages face a higher risk of domestic violence, limited educational opportunities, and severe health risks due to early pregnancies, including maternal mortality.

Child marriage rates are particularly high in regions like Narok, Samburu, and Garissa, where traditional practices and patriarchal structures often prioritize marriage over education for girls. During the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures and economic hardships led to a surge in child marriages, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by girls in times of crisis. Despite Kenya's Marriage Act (2014), which sets the minimum marriage age at 18, enforcement is inconsistent, and cultural acceptance of the practice remains a significant barrier.

Ending child marriage in Kenya requires addressing its root causes through education, economic empowerment, and community engagement. Keeping girls in school is one of the most effective strategies, as educated girls are less likely to marry early and more likely to achieve their potential. Programs like UNICEF’s Let Girls Be Girls campaign work to provide scholarships, mentorship, and advocacy to keep girls in school. Engaging community leaders, religious figures, and families in dialogue about the harms of child marriage can shift societal norms. Additionally, strengthening enforcement of child marriage laws and creating accessible reporting mechanisms can protect at-risk girls. By investing in girls' futures, Kenya can break the cycle of poverty and gender inequality that fuels child marriage.