Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Kenya in mid-March, there has been an increased rate of teenage pregnancies. Previous media reports citing data from a government-managed health information system stated that up to 4,000 adolescent girls may have visited health facilities for antenatal services in the county of Machakos alone between January and May.
In another shocking news, a man in Bungoma in his mid this 30’s and a father of five is accused of impregnating a 16-year-old girl. According to reliable sources, the girl was among the best performers in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) last year attaining 408 marks.
Our source who sought anonymity told Uhondo News that the parents to the minor are now calling on the education stakeholders and government to come on board and ensure that the culprit is brought to book.
“Efforts by parents to ensure the culprit has been arrested have bored no fruits since the bodaboda rider is a close relative to some senior Officer Commanding Station,” our source disclosed.
Parents and guardians across the country have linked the skyrocketing number of unintended teen pregnancies to school closures. This has cut off girls from teachers who can sound the alarm in suspected cases of abuse at home, and students have been left idle and often unchaperoned by busy parents.
Restrictions on movement have also made it harder for girls to access contraceptives and family planning services, and mandatory curfews have trapped girls in homes with predatory family members and neighbours. However, Education CS Prof.George Magoha said that schools will reopen next week.
