Tana River county CEC for Education Hon. Abass Kunyo has expressed concern over the high number of teenage pregnancies being recorded in the area.
Health authorities report that approximately 1,267 girls between 10 and 14 years old got in the family way from January to October this year while a total of 2,456 between the ages of 15 and 19 were treated for pregnancy-related issues.
These girls are feared to have fallen victims to sexual predators and actual numbers are feared to be higher as some avoid going to the health facilities and resort to traditional birth attendants whose cases go undocumented.
Speaking during a County Area Advisory Council (CAAC) meeting, the education chief said the troubling trend posed a threat to the future of the girls in addition to development in the area and efforts to reduce poverty.
An Official from Red Cross blamed the society at large, particularly parents for not bringing the culprits to book of justice.
“When we shield molesters and settle cases by Maslah informally, we undermine the course of justice by standing on the path of those fighting against this vice,” she said.
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The Council members urged parents to be more involved in the affairs and livelihood of their children.
Parents were asked to extend guidance beyond provision of basic needs since children left on their own devices often turn to social media for life lessons.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released a report in 2017 revealing that one in every five girls aged between 15 and 19 was pregnant in 2014.
UNFPA estimates that at least 20,000 girls under 18 years of age deliver everyday in Africa.
By Our Reporter
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