The Impact of Early Marriages Among Teenagers in Kihiihi Town Council, Kanungu District

ABSTRACT The study aimed at examining the consequences of early marriage among teenagers in Kanungu district. The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of early marriages among teenagers in Kihiihi town council Kanungu district, to examine the factors that lead to early marriages among teenagers in Kihiihi town council kanungu district, to analyze the problems associated with early marriages in Kihiihi town council Kanungu district and to establish the possible strategies for reducing early marriages among teenagers in Kihiihi town council Kanungu district. The study employed a qualitative approach. This was used to get an in depth understanding of the study questions and research findings. This was done through use of case studies and descriptive research. Research design was applied to gather in-depth, detailed, varied and extensive data. It was also used to select few cases to study in details rather than having large samples which were likely to create difficulties in the study. The design helped to select a representative sample which represents the whole area of the study thus saving time and resources since a few teenagers from a large group were interviewed. Primary data included answers that were gathered by the researcher from respondents using the questionnaires and interview guide. The findings showed 75% dominated by the influence of impact of early marriages among teenagers in Kihiihi town council. The findings indicated the respondents between the age brackets More than 20 years, therefore the study was conducted with the right people. This study concluded that the practice of early marriages is a real problem in Kihiihi town council Kanungu district. Among other effects, early marriage practices to younger girls have led to their denial of educational rights. The study recommends the government to put more effort on education and make it free and compulsory at the Primary and secondary levels as a way of discouraging early marriage among teenagers in Kihiihi town council Kanungu district.