In a landmark report launched in Nairobi, the Commission revealed that despite existing laws and education policies, deep-rooted social, cultural, and institutional challenges continue to push girls out of school, particularly in marginalized regions.
The study examined how school governance, learning environments, retention strategies, and community practices affect girls’ educational outcomes. It found that while strong policy frameworks exist, weak implementation at school and community levels remains a major obstacle to girls’ participation and completion rates.
Harmful Practices Still a Major Barrier
According to the report, harmful practices such as early marriage, school-related gender-based violence, and limited access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health education continue to disproportionately affect girls, especially in vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the launch, Ministry of Education Director General Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow said the findings would guide education sector planning and strengthen NGEC reporting to ensure learner safety, dignity, and wellbeing are treated as core responsibilities in school management.
“These issues are not optional considerations. They are fundamental obligations that must be addressed if we are to retain girls in school,” Dr. Jillaow said.
Focus on Safety, Sanitation, and Re-entry
The report also highlighted gaps in school safety, sanitation facilities, and menstrual hygiene management, noting that inadequate infrastructure contributes significantly to absenteeism and school dropout among adolescent girls.
Dr. Jillaow pledged to expand access to water, lighting, and sanitation facilities, particularly in schools serving high-risk and marginalized populations.
On the issue of pregnant and parenting learners, the Director General reaffirmed the importance of the School Re-entry Guidelines, stating that enforcement would be strengthened to prevent stigma, exclusion, and repeated trauma.
Role of Clean Energy and Accountability
NGEC further emphasized the link between education and clean energy access, noting that renewable energy solutions reduce domestic labour burdens on children, enhance safety, and improve access to digital learning resources.
The Commission also called for stronger accountability mechanisms in schools, including regular compliance reviews and increased representation of women in Boards of Management, to promote gender-responsive leadership.
Call for Action
Dr. Jillaow concluded that the report should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, urging them to design responsive policies, allocate resources strategically, and address the lived realities of girls across Kenya.
NGEC reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based advocacy, stating that the findings will guide reforms aimed at ensuring every girl learns in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment.
According to the report, harmful practices such as early marriage, school-related gender-based violence, and limited access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health education continue to disproportionately affect girls, especially in vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the launch, Ministry of Education Director General Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow said the findings would guide education sector planning and strengthen NGEC reporting to ensure learner safety, dignity, and wellbeing are treated as core responsibilities in school management.
“These issues are not optional considerations. They are fundamental obligations that must be addressed if we are to retain girls in school,” Dr. Jillaow said.
Focus on Safety, Sanitation, and Re-entry
The report also highlighted gaps in school safety, sanitation facilities, and menstrual hygiene management, noting that inadequate infrastructure contributes significantly to absenteeism and school dropout among adolescent girls.
Dr. Jillaow pledged to expand access to water, lighting, and sanitation facilities, particularly in schools serving high-risk and marginalized populations.
On the issue of pregnant and parenting learners, the Director General reaffirmed the importance of the School Re-entry Guidelines, stating that enforcement would be strengthened to prevent stigma, exclusion, and repeated trauma.
Role of Clean Energy and Accountability
NGEC further emphasized the link between education and clean energy access, noting that renewable energy solutions reduce domestic labour burdens on children, enhance safety, and improve access to digital learning resources.
The Commission also called for stronger accountability mechanisms in schools, including regular compliance reviews and increased representation of women in Boards of Management, to promote gender-responsive leadership.
Call for Action
Dr. Jillaow concluded that the report should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, urging them to design responsive policies, allocate resources strategically, and address the lived realities of girls across Kenya.
NGEC reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based advocacy, stating that the findings will guide reforms aimed at ensuring every girl learns in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment.