Kajiado County has renewed calls for concerted efforts to end teenage pregnancies and address other challenges affecting children as it joined the rest of the continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child.
Speaking during the event held at G.K. Prison Comprehensive School in Kitengela, Kajiado governor’s spouse, Ednah Lenku, expressed concern over the rising cases of teenage pregnancies, saying the vice denies many girls an opportunity to realise their full potential.
She noted that teenage pregnancies contribute to school dropouts, exposes young girls to health complications and increases their vulnerability to poverty and exploitation.
“Young girls are at risk of developing fistula when they give birth early. I urge both girls and boys to be people of honour who respect God and their fellow children. Let us secure our future by being disciplined,” she said.
Lenku called on parents, community leaders, teachers and other stakeholders to work together to protect children and ensure they remain in school and have access to quality education, healthcare and safe environments.
She also cautioned parents and teachers against exposing children excessively to computer screens and technology, saying it undermines their ability to think critically and work independently.
On the rising cases of indiscipline in schools, Lenku cautioned learners that their conduct is documented through the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) and urged them to uphold discipline and make responsible choices as they will face consequences of their actions even after school.
Kajiado Director of Gender, Mary Taiko, said that although the county has made significant strides in empowering the girl child, teenage pregnancies remain a major concern.
She called for coordinated efforts by the national and county government and other stakeholders to put in place measures to address the challenge.
Taiko noted that many of the girls are impregnated by their peers, underscoring the need to involve boys in interventions aimed at ending teenage pregnancies.
According to the Kajiado County Department of Health, more than 2,000 cases of early pregnancies among children aged between 10 and 19 years were recorded in the county between January and March this year, highlighting the urgent need for multifaceted interventions to safeguard the wellbeing and future of children.
By Diana Meneto
