- At least 36 girls at Bakisa Senior School in Bungoma County are reportedly pregnant, with others having already given birth, Principal Ruth Mulika has disclosed.
- Leaders have called for collective action to protect the girls, urging stronger mentorship and enforcement of laws against sexual exploitation of minors.
- Stakeholders have been urged to establish the circumstances behind the pregnancies and develop interventions focused on both prevention and support for affected learners.
At least 36 girls at Bakisa Senior School in Webuye East Sub-County, Bungoma County, are reportedly pregnant, while others have already given birth, according to the school administration.
School Principal Ruth Mulika disclosed the figures during a parents’ meeting, prompting concern among parents and local leaders over the rising cases of teenage pregnancy and their impact on girls’ education. The disclosure has sparked calls for urgent intervention to protect learners, address the circumstances surrounding the pregnancies and ensure affected girls are supported to continue with their education.
Politician Martin Namasaka has called for concerted efforts by parents, education officials and other stakeholders to tackle the situation, saying it was time to focus on protecting the girls rather than apportioning blame. Namasaka urged parents and leaders to break the silence surrounding teenage pregnancies and strengthen guidance and mentorship for children. He also called on the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities to enforce laws protecting minors from sexual exploitation and hold accountable anyone found to have violated the rights of children.
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Namasaka said he was ready to work with stakeholders to establish robust mentorship programmes and strengthen child-protection measures aimed at creating a safe learning environment. “This is not a moment for pointing fingers, but rather a time for collective action to protect the girls and secure their future,” Namasaka said.
The reports have put renewed focus on teenage pregnancy in the area, with stakeholders expected to work together to establish the circumstances behind the cases and develop interventions targeting both prevention and support for affected learners. Parents have also been urged to strengthen communication with their children and work closely with schools and relevant authorities to safeguard learners from exploitation and other risks that could disrupt their education.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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