KCPE candidates in early marriages

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Taita-Taveta County

Two Standard Eight schoolgirls have been married off while a Form One student has quit school after becoming pregnant.

Taveta District Education Officer George Owuoche revealed that 24 girls dropped out of school last term due to pregnancy.

He said cases of underage pregnancy were on the rise in Taita-Taveta County.

The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) candidates at Vuria Primary School aged between 15 and 16 have now dropped out of school after they were married off two weeks ago.

"As I am speaking, the candidates are now in Mwanda location and their parents have received dowry," said Councillor Nicholas Nyambu.

Mr Nyambu called for action against those perpetuating early marriages and impregnating schoolgirls.

Parents and education officials attributed the high drop-out rate among girls to unwanted pregnancies, early marriages and child labour.

31 dropouts

Taita DEO Samuel Nyantika said regular police and the Provincial Administration were handling the matter.

Mr Owuoche said 31 girls in primary and secondary schools dropped out last year due to pregnancy.

He expressed fear the number could go up by the end of this year if drastic measures are not taken.

Rising poverty has been cited as another major problem hindering girls from accessing education in the region that has persistently performed poorly in national examinations.

The education officials also promised to ensure schoolgirls who become pregnant get a second chance to continue with their education.

"There ought to be more focus on improving sexual reproductive health and rights through sex education. This is because teenage pregnancies are a major cause of high school drop out rates," added Nyantika.