Stem teen pregnancies in Kenya

Teenage pregnancies are on the increase. Incidents where primary and secondary schools report cases of several students being pregnant at the same time have been highlighted across the country.

From this, it is discernible that the society’s moral fabric is torn. The girl child is no longer safe from sexual predators in society, some of whom are not only their teachers, but their own fathers.

Where did the rain start beating us? There is urgent need to re-examine our values and to protect the young ones in society against all forms of ills.

A recent study by the Centre for the Study of Adolescence (CSA), found that 13,000 Kenyan girls drop out of school every year due to pregnancies. In the end, this denies them the right to education and confines them to a life of penury in a world where education counts for everything.

Nine parents of students at a school in Elgeyo Marakwet County who were expelled for getting pregnant have appealed the expulsion and pleaded for a second chance.

These girls need counselling and once delivered of their babies, it would be a travesty of justice to deny those who wish to continue with their education a chance. They will have learned from their mistakes.