KAKAMEGA, Kenya — A shocking revelation has emerged from Khwisero Sub-county, where 31 candidates are currently sitting for their national examinations while pregnant, highlighting a serious crisis of teenage pregnancy in the area.
The alarming trend was disclosed by Khwisero Sub-county Commissioner Janet Khatambi during a public baraza (meeting).
Khatambi expressed deep concern over the situation, warning that the stress of pregnancy and potential complications could adversely affect the students’ performance in the ongoing KCSE, KPSEA, and KJSEA exams.
The Sub-county Commissioner outlined the measures being taken to manage the situation: “I have been given a list of 31 pregnant candidates who require special attention during exams. I’ve even had to secure a standby vehicle to rush any candidate in labour to the hospital,” Khatambi said.
Manhunt launched for suspects
Khatambi announced that her office has initiated a thorough investigation and launched a manhunt for the individuals responsible for impregnating the schoolgirls. She vowed that the perpetrators would face the full force of the law.
“We are looking for the sex predators who took advantage of these girls. They will serve as an example to others,” she warned.
The Commissioner lamented that these cases severely undermine the efforts and financial struggles of parents who invest in their children’s education. “Parents struggle to pay school fees for their children, and it’s heartbreaking to see such incidents happening to young girls,” she added.
Leaders condemn the acts
Khwisero Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher Aseka joined in condemning the escalating cases of teenage pregnancies, stating that they threaten to derail all education efforts in the constituency.
Also Read: BBC defends Nakuru child sex trade exposé after Murkomen’s ‘hoax’ allegations
Aseka noted that such acts of defilement and early pregnancy undermine his initiatives to provide scholarships and bursaries to learners.
“We have men preying on schoolgirls and defiling minors in the villages. Our security officers must deal with them firmly and decisively,” Aseka said, warning that he will not tolerate such acts in his constituency.
Both the Commissioner and the MP urged parents, teachers, and local administrators to enhance community vigilance and work collaboratively to protect young girls from sexual exploitation as the national examination period continues.
