The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Esther Muoria has put principals and trainers on alert following reports of sexual exploitation within the sector.
Speaking during the closing session of the three-day Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) Leadership Engagement and Capacity Building Workshop held in Mombasa, Dr Muoria revealed that she had received disturbing reports of principals and trainers misusing their positions to exploit female students.
She highlighted the issue of sexual relationships between teachers and learners, noting that such misadministration was reportedly widespread in some institutions.
“Some institutions have been flagged for mismanagement, where girls are becoming pregnant by trainers and principals, and no actual training is taking place,” Dr. Muoria revealed.
The PS issued a stern warning to the Regional Directors of TVET, instructing them not to tolerate any form of sexual exploitation within their institutions.
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She made it clear that there would be no need for formal committees to investigate such cases, as she is committed to taking action once sufficient evidence is gathered.
“When we talk about going high, some people are still operating at such low levels, we are supposed to co-exist, but what are you doing with children?” Dr. Muoria said, expressing concern about the exploitation of vulnerable girls by those in positions of authority.
The statements come at a time when the country is grappling with an alarming rise in teenage pregnancies.
According to the recent Economic Survey 2026 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), cases of teenage pregnancies increased from 224,333 in 2025 to 235,938 in 2026.
The report also revealed that more than 11,000 additional girls aged 10 to 19 entered the maternal healthcare system in 2026 compared to the previous year, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
By Obegi Malack
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