Seventeen teen mothers sat for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) in Meru County amid a worrying surge in teenage pregnancies, with the Igembe region emerging among the most affected areas, according to health officials at Nyambene Level Four Hospital.
This was revealed by Dr. Githu Wachira, the hospital’s Medical Officer of Health who said new mothers are receiving postnatal care at the facility.
In response to the growing concern, the hospital has rolled out a Support Group Programme for Teenage Mothers, designed to offer guidance, education, and psychosocial support to young mothers as they strive to rebuild their lives and continue with school.
“The programme focuses on giving hope, parenting skills, and mentorship so that the girls can continue with their education while caring for their babies,” said Dr. Wachira.
He appealed to parents, teachers, churches, and community leaders to join efforts in preventing early pregnancies and protecting young girls from exploitation.
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“Having a baby at a young age is not the end of life. You can still rise, continue with school, and have a bright future,” he encouraged.
Health experts attribute the rise in teenage pregnancies in Meru to a combination of poverty, limited access to reproductive health education, and social pressures that leave many girls vulnerable.
They are calling for stronger community awareness campaigns, mentorship programmes, and greater parental involvement to curb the trend.
The situation mirrors similar reports from Khwisero Sub-county in Kakamega, where 31 girls were confirmed pregnant while sitting for national exams.
The rise in teenage pregnancy in the country has remained a grey area which need combined efforts to address. The stakeholders have urged the authorities to intensify protection for schoolgirls and ensure they continue with their education.
By Our reporter
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