Lunga-Lunga Sub-County in Kwale County is grappling with a surge in teenage pregnancies among school-going children, according to area Children’s Officer Elizabeth Karioki.
Over the past three months, at least 20 cases have been reported, five of which involve incest, with fathers and uncles preying on their daughters.
Karioki affirmed that several schools within the sub-county have been affected, with some girls forced to drop out due to pregnancy.
“We have a few schools with teen pregnancy cases, and the situation is worrying since many are not reported,” she said.
The cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, or family pressure, which allows perpetrators to continue exploiting vulnerable girls.
Karioki said that the situation is not only robbing young girls of their education but also exposing them to psychological trauma and health risks associated with early childbirth.
However, Karioki said that the cases are currently being handled in court, and appropriate legal actions have been taken against the perpetrators to ensure justice for the victims.
She said law enforcement agencies work closely with the judiciary to expedite the cases and deliver justice without unnecessary delays.
Reports indicate that socio-economic challenges, including poverty and lack of parental guidance, are major contributors to the rising teen pregnancy and child marriage cases.
Karioki said that in many instances, young girls fall victim to sexual abuse within their own homes or are lured by perpetrators who exploit their financial vulnerabilities.
The officer called for a collective approach to addressing the crisis, urging parents to safeguard children’s rights proactively.
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“A parent should be at the forefront of protecting their children, which will make it easier for NGOs and the government to intervene,” she said.
Karioki said that parental responsibility plays a crucial role in preventing teenage pregnancies and sexual abuse.
She urged parents to foster open communication with their children, educate them on their rights, and monitor their well-being vigilantly.
Karioki said enhanced awareness and collective responsibility will help create a safe environment where children feel protected and empowered to speak out against abuse.
She warned that anyone found responsible for impregnating a schoolgirl or colluding in child marriage would be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Karioki said that the government has taken a firm stance against individuals who violate children’s rights, ensuring that such cases are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
She urged community members to report the cases of child abuse, stressing that silence and cover-ups only perpetuate the problem.
By Shaban Omar
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