Climate, Lack of School Fees and Economic Empowerment in Kenya
Location:
Marsabit, Kenya
Art Medium:
Mural and Skit
Partner:
Northern Kenya Fund
Artist:
Eileen Tamining (Tami Leen)
The Challenge
In Marsabit, an arid region in northern Kenya, girls from the Sauti ya Dada (SYD) Club interviewed 54 community members and found that climate change, poverty, and harmful gender norms severely limit girls’ access to education. Most families in Marsabit rely on pastoralism (raising livestock) for livelihoods, and are highly vulnerable to the extreme weather patterns that are becoming more frequent in the region due to global climate change. When households have poor crop yield, it becomes difficult for families to afford school fees. With limited resources, parents tend to prioritize boys' education, paying for their school fees while girls are either married off or sent to work. Once married, girls rarely return to school.
The Action
In response, the SYD girls created a skit and mural to illustrate the consequences of early marriage and the importance of educating girls. The skit told the story of a girl who dropped out of school, was mistreated in domestic work, became pregnant, and was disowned by her family. Though fictional, it reflected real community experiences. The mural, displayed on the school wall, depicts a girl striving towards a bright future, but being held back symbolically by child marriage, teen pregnancy, and a lack of school fees. The mural has become a source of pride and inspiration, reinforcing the message that girls deserve equal opportunities.
The Impact
• Still in progress. Stay tuned!