WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Omasete Rael Imo, Rev. Dr. James Wambugu Mwangi and *Dr. Mwita James

ABSTRACT

This study explores the effectiveness of the Pastoral Programme of Instruction (PPI) in mitigating early motherhood among female pupils in church-sponsored primary schools in Kajiado North, Kenya, a region heavily influenced by traditional practices such as early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). Early motherhood remains a persistent challenge in the region, undermining girls’ educational attainment, health, and future opportunities. The study employed a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, collecting data from 163 pupils selected through random sampling, and 10 parents and 10 headteachers chosen purposively from ten church-sponsored schools. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data subjected to thematic analysis. The findings indicate that early motherhood remains a significant issue, with 19 reported cases in the previous year alone. Key drivers include deeply rooted cultural norms, peer pressure, and limited reproductive health knowledge. While PPI emerged as a promising tool for value-based education and moral guidance, its effectiveness is hampered by several factors: outdated curriculum content, lack of trained facilitators, inadequate stakeholder engagement, and resistance from communities adhering to patriarchal traditions. Nevertheless, the study identifies considerable opportunities for enhancing PPI's impact, including the integration of digital technology, culturally contextualized content, and collaboration with faith leaders, parents, and policy actors. The study recommends a comprehensive modernization of the PPI curriculum, integrating age-appropriate and culturally sensitive sexual and reproductive health education, complemented by digital learning tools. Stakeholder capacity building is vital, particularly for teachers and parents, to ensure effective communication and guidance on adolescent issues. Additionally, the study underscores the need for sustainable funding mechanisms through partnerships with government agencies and NGOs, and policy advocacy to mainstream reproductive health education in the national curriculum. The research contributes to a growing body of knowledge on faith-based interventions in adolescent health and calls for further research into the long-term impact of PPI on girls’ academic trajectories and the role of male pupils in addressing early motherhood.