Does Bicycle for Education Empowerment Program Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy Among School Girls? Evidence from the Day Secondary Schools in Kisumu and Kakamega Counties, Kenya

Abstract

The research article examines the effects of the Bicycle for Education Empowerment Program (BEEP) on the risk of pregnancy among female students in the Day Secondary Schools in Kisumu and Kakamega Counties, Kenya. A cross-sectional research design was adopted for the survey, providing a snapshot of the 2021 cohort of students. Questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis were used to gather data from 421 respondents (238 in the experimental group and 183 in the control group). Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis were conducted. Quantitative data was analysed using logistic regression, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha (coefficient of 0.8). The findings from logistic regression suggest that BEEP significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, with girls in the program being 67% less likely to be at risk compared to non-participants (p = 0.001), after controlling for factors such as distance to school and school location. The study recommends institutionalizing BEEP to mitigate pregnancy risks and enhance girls' participation in education.