How freedom dashes dreams of uni students

It’s a story whispered in hostel corridors, debated in campus WhatsApp groups, and written in the tear-streaked diary pages of young ladies who once had dreams of wearing graduation gowns but now find themselves grappling with motherhood earlier than planned.

While official statistics on student pregnancies remain scarce, a casual visit to any major university tells a different story. Many female students, some barely in their first year, are seen with noticeable baby bumps. Others quietly disappear from lecture halls, never to return.

For Miriam Nancy  (not her real name) a second-year student at Chuka university who had to defer her studies, the reality hit hard when she got pregnant. While talking to us in tears, she said she did not foresee life take the route it has taken for her. "I had so many dreams, but now everything is on hold .I was not ready for this. I thought I had time."she said while shading tears uncontrollably.

So, what’s driving this trend? Why are more university girls finding themselves in this situation?

University life is expensive, and many students come from humble backgrounds. With pressure to keep up with trendy lifestyles and costly school expenses, some girls fall into relationships with older men—commonly referred to as sponsors—who provide financial support in exchange for intimacy.

For Linda Otieno, (not her real name) a third year university student, money and love to lavish life made her expectant without any plans.

The struggles to stay afloat and have enough to pay rent messed her. “I was struggling with rent and upkeep.He was rich and offered to take care of me. I thought I was in control until I found out I was pregnant. He blocked me immediately.” said Linda.

Campus is a melting pot of influences. Many students feel pressured to live lavishly—expensive dates, exotic trips and flashy parties. Social media doesn’t make it any easier. Seeing their peers flaunt expensive gifts and luxurious lifestyles online makes many young women vulnerable to risky relationships.

Despite universities being institutions of higher learning, sex education remains a sensitive topic. Many students enter campus with limited knowledge about reproductive health, family planning, and safe sex. Misinformation spreads faster than facts, leading to poor decision-making.

For many, university is the first taste of freedom, and with that comes exposure to alcohol and drugs. Many unintended pregnancies happen under the influence, where judgment is impaired and protection is ignored.

The excitement of first love can be overwhelming. Some students find themselves deeply invested in romantic relationships, believing they have found "the one." But when reality sets in, many partners disappear, leaving young women to face the consequences alone.

The aftermath of an unexpected pregnancy can be brutal. Some students are forced to drop out, while others struggle to balance books and diapers. Family shame, broken dreams, and shattered confidence take a toll on their mental health.

“I cried every night,” Joyce Wairimu, a former university student, shares. “I lost friends, my boyfriend left, and my parents were disappointed. I had to start afresh.”

University life is meant to shape futures, not break them. Young women deserve the chance to chase their dreams without unexpected hurdles. Until real conversations are had and practical solutions are implemented, the cycle will continue—dreams cut short, futures rewritten, and tears shed in silence.