At the crack of dawn, while most of her peers are still asleep, 22-year-old Khadija Sanga begins her day. 

By 5am, she is already up, tending to her chickens, a responsibility that has become both her livelihood and her mission to empower others.

With 250 broilers and 100 layers, Khadija's small farm in Boa is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Khadija is not just raising chickens. She is also raising hope for teen mothers in her community. 

Alongside five(5) other young women, she has dedicated her efforts to support financially vulnerable teen moms, drawing from her own experience as a teen mother.

“I got pregnant at 16. I faced so much discrimination and had little support. I want to make sure other girls do not feel alone like I did,” Khadija says. 

Khadija's motivation stems from her own struggles, and she is committed to helping others navigate the challenges of motherhood at a young age.

“All of us have gone through the stigma and discrimination. We understand the journey, so we encourage the other girls not to lose hope,” she says.

Her initiative focuses on providing emotional support and practical assistance.

Khadija and her group mentor the teen moms, guiding them to start their own small businesses and encouraging them to continue with their education.

“We always say that education is important,” she adds. 

“For those who can't go back to school, we help them learn a skill. We want them to be self-sufficient.”

In addition to her mentoring, Khadija works with five(5) teen moms who assist her with the farm work after school.

This not only provides them with a source of income, but also integrates them into a supportive community.

“It is hard work,” she admits, detailing her early morning routines and the late nights spent ensuring her chickens are well cared for.

“Sometimes I have to wake up in the middle of the night to feed them and give them water.”

Indeed her commitment towards chickens is meticulous. She has a special pair of clothes and shoes that she wears every time she tends to her chicken to prevent infections, understanding that even a small oversight can lead to disaster.

“They need warmth to survive, so I use high-wattage lights to keep them comfortable,” she explains, reflecting on the dedication required to run a successful poultry farm.

She sells her chicken locally to women who operate snacks shops and hotels in Diani, but she hopes to be able to supply to the international customers in the future.

"I prioritise the teen moms I work with when it comes to selling my products. There are some who sell eggs. I make sure they are well supplied before selling to other customers," she said.

Adding that they help each other to look for customers and also they support each other by buying from each other.

"When I want chicken feeds, I buy from the members of our group and when they want eggs or meat they source from my place," she said.

They engage in table banking popularly known as chamas to grow their money.

"We have been saving through chamas but we are in the process joining saccos as young business women to secure our future," she said.

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, 14.8 percent of girls aged 15-19 in Kwale are mothers, a statistic that highlights the urgency of Khadija's mission.

“We want to discourage girls from considering abortion,” she states firmly. 

“Life can be tough, but there is always a way forward. We must support each other.”

The impact of her work is evident. 

One of her mentees, Aisha, a 19-year-old mother of one, shares her experience.

"Khadija has changed my life. She taught me how to care for my child and also how to start my own small business selling eggs. I never thought I could do this,” says Aisha.

As the sun rises higher, casting light on the bustling farm, Khadija’s phone buzzes with messages from other young mothers seeking advice.

Her influence extends beyond just her immediate community.

She is becoming a beacon of hope for many.

“I want to create a ripple effect,” she says, determination evident in her voice.

“If I can help one girl, she can help another. That’s how we build a stronger community.”

In a society that often shuns teen mothers, Khadija stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of young women. 

Through her efforts in poultry farming, she is not only transforming her own life but also uplifting those around her.

As she moves from one chicken pen to another, she embodies the spirit of empowerment and change, proving that with determination and support, it is possible to rise above adversity.