The Meru Press Club is set to tackle the rising cases of teenage pregnancy and gender based violence in Meru County by taking the fight to the grassroots level.
The club officials say they will bring stakeholders together to discuss how they can solve challenges the community faces after it emerged that the county is ranked fourth in the teenage pregnancy prevalence rate.
The club announced plans to roll out Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and mental health awareness campaigns across grassroots communities following a successful awareness run held recently.
The initiative, led by the Club’s chairperson, David Muchui and members, aims to curb the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence in Meru County.
“We are bringing stakeholders together to discuss how we can solve challenges we face as a community. According to government data and civil society organisations, Meru is ranked fourth in the prevalence of teenage pregnancies. Cases of defilement, rape, domestic violence, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are also above the national average,” Muchui said.
The awareness run, hosted at Meru University of Science and Technology, brought together dozens of participants, including renowned athletes, students, and journalists.
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Muchui said the Club will collaborate with anti-SGBV and mental health advocates to deepen community-level engagement and education.
Vice Chairperson Dorcas Mbatia raised concerns over delayed justice for SGBV victims, noting that some cases have stalled in the courts for years.
“We are aware there are sexual offences that have been pending since 2017. We appeal to the Judiciary to fast-track these matters so justice can finally be served,” Mbatia said.
Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome reiterated the county government’s commitment to addressing SGBV, revealing plans to establish a safe centre for victims.
“We are doing everything possible to set up a haven where SGBV survivors can receive medical care, counselling, and support,” said Kiome.
Meru Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia commended the Meru Press Club for its leadership in raising awareness on the twin issues of SGBV and mental health.
Faith Wambui, the Assistant Deputy County Commissioner, urged residents to report SGBV cases to the police rather than relying on traditional courts or community elders such as the Njuri Ncheke.
“We must stop taking these cases to Kangaroo courts. Perpetrators must face the full force of the law,” she said.
Meru County Youth and Sports Executive Elias Murega decried the increasing teenage pregnancy rate and challenged men in the community to protect, not exploit, young girls.
“Men must stop preying on innocent children,” he said.
By John Majau.
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