53 pregnant girls sitting Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams in Bungoma County

BUNGOMA, KENYA: An education official has disclosed that Fifty three (53) pregnant girls are sitting Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in Bungoma County that started on Tuesday.

Speaking in his office, Charles Anyika the county education director said that the statistics carried out by his officers indicated that 53 girls were pregnant but he expects the number could be higher because some head teachers never disclosed information to his officers.

"We expect the number of pregnant girls might reach a hundred (100), however, we have asked head teachers not to interfere with the girls and allow them carry on with their examination in a good environment," said Anyika.

He said that he had instructed teachers in affected schools to provide standby vehicles that will help girls in any eventuality if they fall in labour.

The director said that teachers, boda boda operators and married men are responsible for the pregnancies that have been reported.

"Poverty is the main cause of high number of pregnancies reported and am calling upon parents and teachers to be vigilant on their children, such cases are annoying and as a ministry we are not going to tolerate such vices," warned Anyika.

The sentiments were also echoed by Bungoma County Commissioner Maalim Mohamed who said that the number of pregnant girls could be higher considering that many disputes were solved at home with the families agreeing on local payment arrangements with the culprits.

"The number of defilement cases and underage pregnancies is really worrying in the county and we need concerted efforts to ensure that this vice is stopped. It is worrying when even Class Eight candidates are impregnated," said Mohamed.

Mr Mohamed stressed that parents needed to guide their children on matters regarding sex and also warn them on the dangers of engaging in premarital and unprotected sex. He said it was unfortunate that some of the incidents happened between students who ended up impregnating fellow students.

He cautioned local administrators for not taking action saying they would be held responsible if they did not apprehend culprits.