Socio-Cultural Factors and Their Impact on the Vulnerability of Girls to Early Marriage in Pastoralist Communities in Kenya

Child marriage, a severe human rights violation affecting 23% of girls in Kenya’s pastoralist communities denying girls education, health, and autonomy, perpetuating poverty and gender inequality [1]. Socio-cultural factors like patriarchal norms, bride price, beading, and religious beliefs drive this practice, yet their specific roles remain understudied [2]. Weak legal enforcement exacerbates the issue, necessitating urgent research to identify these perpetuating factors for targeted interventions [3]. This study investigates the socio-cultural factors contributing to the vulnerability of girls to early marriage in pastoralist communities across ten counties in Kenya (Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia, Garissa, Samburu, Tana River, Kajiado, Narok, West Pokot), focusing on the Turkana, Borana, Rendille, Somali, Samburu, Pokot, Orma, and Maasai communities. The study adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and ethnographic observations to gather rich, contextual data. The data was thematically analyzed to uncover recurring patterns and themes. Preliminary findings highlight that socio-cultural norms strongly perpetuate early marriage. Community expectations often prioritize early marriage as a valued tradition, while practices like bride price reinforce the commodification of girls. Among certain communities, such as the Samburu, beading practices are closely tied to early marriage, alongside female genital mutilation and religious interpretations that justify the practice. Economic pressures and challenges in access to education further entrench girls’ vulnerability, creating a complex interplay of cultural and economic factors. While child marriage rates are declining (from 34% to 23%), progress is uneven, with the highest rates in rural and Arid and Semiarid land counties aggravated by economic hardship as the primary driver, followed by teenage pregnancy, educational barriers, female genital mutilation, and culture. Women’s representation in politics is also insufficient, and maternal mortality and gender-based violence remain critical issues in these areas. Female genital mutilation prevalence is high in specific ethnic communities and strongly linked to child marriage. The study recommends engaging community leaders to challenge harmful norms, promote girls’ education, and strengthen legal protections, and having community-based approaches that blend legal enforcement and cultural dialogue. Policies should integrate comprehensive sexuality education and economic empowerment initiatives to reduce dependence on practices like bride price, fostering sustainable change while respecting cultural contexts.