Kirinyaga County commissioner raises alarm over child abuse and teenage pregnancies

Kirinyaga County Commissioner Shuffaa Mwanjuma has raised concerns over increasing cases of child abuse and teenage pregnancies in the county, calling on parents, community leaders and security agencies to strengthen child protection measures.

Mwanjuma revealed that records from the Children’s Office showed that 174 children had been defiled or subjected to other forms of abuse, describing the figures as alarming.

Speaking on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during a Rapid Results Initiative meeting in Kutus, Kirinyaga County, the commissioner attributed some of the cases to parental negligence, urging families to take greater responsibility for the safety and well-being of their children.

She called on parents to closely monitor their children's movements, friendships and daily activities, warning that inadequate parental guidance could expose minors to abuse and other social challenges.

The commissioner also disclosed that teenage pregnancies in Kirinyaga County stood at 15 per cent, calling for concerted efforts by parents, community leaders and security agencies to address the growing concern.

She identified unstable family environments, frequent conflicts between parents and a lack of emotional support as some of the factors contributing to social challenges among young people, including drug and alcohol abuse.

Mwanjuma urged parents to establish open and supportive relationships with their children, encouraging them to listen to their concerns and understand the challenges they face instead of relying entirely on punishment and reprimands.

She emphasised that effective parenting goes beyond providing basic needs, noting that children require proper guidance, emotional support and a safe environment to grow.

The county commissioner also challenged security agencies to ensure that all reported cases of child abuse are thoroughly investigated and those found responsible are prosecuted.

She called for stronger collaboration between families, community leaders and law enforcement agencies to protect children and curb teenage pregnancies across the county.