State: Teen pregnancy cases have reduced drastically

Two young pregnant girls. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Cases of pregnant teenagers sitting exams have drastically reduced this year, Education CAS Dr Sarah Ruto has said.

Dr Ruto spoke during the distribution of exam papers in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, where she disclosed that eight candidates were hospitalised with various ailments in the county.

She attributed the drastic drop in cases of pregnancy to the busy school calendar that followed disruption occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic.

“2020 was a difficult year, but our children are doing better. We encourage parents to ensure children are well taken care of to avoid such cases in years to come,” said Dr Ruto.

She said the ministry had realised schools were safe havens for students.

In Nandi North, a candidate is writing her examination at Chepkemel health centre in Kapwilla, after experiencing labour pains. She reportedly sat the examination at school on Monday before developing labour pains that evening. She did all the second-day examinations at the health facility. Nandi Education Director Mr Zachary Muturi confirmed she did all her papers.

Another candidate delivered a baby boy at Nandi Hills sub-county hospital on Monday.  According to the facility medical superintendent Dr Joseph Kangwor, the minor was admitted last Friday, and she had no complications. “The mother was in stable health condition, though she had to be kept in the maternity to take care of her child. We allowed her to seat for the exams within the facility by providing her with the room that she could conveniently sit without minimal disturbance,” he said.

Nandi East sub-county education director Mr Bernard Manyasi said security officers and examination supervisors were assigned to ensure the candidate sits for the exams without interference.

In Turkana, County Commissioner Mr Muthama Wambua said security measures had been put in place to ensure smooth flow of the examination.

“We assure candidates and supervisors of their security. We’ve deployed more officers to guarantee the security of the candidates in volatile areas,” Mr Wambua said at the local county headquarters, adding that two officers had been deployed to each examination centre.