Nakuru Women Representative Liza Chelule MP has raised alarm over increased cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the region, asserting that the trend was ruining the future of schoolgoing girls due to defilement.
The MP was speaking as she distributed bursary cheques worth Sh13.8 million to over 1,380 students through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to offset part of their school fees.
Chelule regretted that the community has slowly resorted to kangaroo courts on GBV cases after they realised the harsh penalties from the courts of justice.
“I want to caution men against falling into the trap of having affairs with schoolgirls. You will ruin the life of that minor and of course the law will take its course,” said Chelule.
“Let us give our girls ample time to concentrate on their education. That is the only form of empowerment with a lasting impact on the girls,” she added.
The sentiments were echoed by Nakuru NGAAF fund manager Daniel Njogu, who noted that they remain committed to ensuring no child drops out of school for lack of school fees or teenage pregnancies.
He noted that they have already distributed sanitary pads to schoolgoing girls to keep them in school always.
“Here in Nakuru we remain committed to ensuring all girls are kept in school to achieve their dreams. That is why, as an office, we have disbursed Sh13.8million bursary to 1,380 students at different levels of education. This demonstrates how committed we are to education matters,” said Njogu.
“We have also distributed sanitary pads to our girls to give them sanity and dignity in class, hence reducing cases of absenteeism among girls during their menstrual period,” he added.
Parents who benefited from the programme led by Elizabeth Ngathoka and Muchira Kamau applauded the legislator for the timely intervention, noting that many learners reported to school two weeks after the schools reopened due to lack of school fees.
By Absalom Namwalo
