×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Read Offline Anywhere
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now
Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Mary Mueni* (not her real name) had hit rock bottom trying to rebuild her life; her dreams of ever becoming a nurse had only been cut short four years ago when she conceived while in Form Three during the long school break occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic that hit Kenya in 2020.

She had to stay at home when her friends resumed school after the break to take care of her young child. Alone and with no money, she resorted to menial jobs around her neighbourhood so she could raise some money for the child's upkeep.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Fact-first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Sports
Harambee Starlets fall to Matildas in Fifa Series final
By AFP 16 hrs ago
Football
Slot in the firing line as Liverpool collapse to PSG
Sports
Star-studded line-up sets stage for tight race at Kip Keino Classic
By AFP 22 hrs ago
Sports
Atletico 'ready' for Champions League success at last