“An estimated 23% of girls in Kenya are married before their 18th birthdays, the main reasons being gender inequality, poverty and traditional beliefs,” said Joshua Ole Kaputa, a children’s rights crusader and peace ambassador.

After citing the case of Maria in the county, Narok Governor Samuel Kuntai Ole Tunai has denied any ongoing child marriages during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kulea is the founder of the Narok Girls Foundation, which serves as a rescue center for girls who have been sold into marriage.

“Less than 20% of Maasai girls enroll in school, few finish primary school, and even less transition to secondary school and university,” according a report from the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

Though the pandemic continues, Kenyatta, in his state address during the Madaraka Day celebration on June 1, directed the Ministry of Education to engage stakeholders and collaborate with the Ministry of Health to issue guidelines for a possible reopening of schools.

When I go back to school, I want to share my story with other girls and also participate in programs that end child marriage.”