Leaders in Igembe North have sounded the alarm over rising cases of teenage pregnancies, warning that the region risks losing an entire generation of girls to poverty and school dropouts if the trend is not curbed.
Recent data from Nyambene Level 4 Hospital show that Meru County leads nationally with a 24 percent teenage pregnancy rate, compared to the national average of 15 percent. Alarmingly, the Igembe region alone accounts for 49 percent of Meru’s cases.
During the recently concluded KPSEA examinations, 17 Grade Six girls delivered babies, prompting deep concern from education and health officials.
Speaking during a joint security and community leaders’ meeting held at Kaelo Technical College on Thursday, Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu urged parents, local administrators, and elders to take responsibility for protecting and mentoring young girls.
“It is a shame and a way of brewing poverty if we continue allowing our girls to drop out of school because of neglect. Parents should guide all young people, not just their own,” said Taitumu.
The legislator warned that without decisive intervention, the region’s education standards and economic growth would continue to deteriorate.
The meeting also brought together Meru County Woman Representative Hon. Elizabeth Kailemia, Tigania East MP Hon. Mpuru Aburi, and Igembe Central MP Hon. Dan Kiili, who echoed the call for urgent action.
Hon. Kailemia described the situation as shameful and urged families to be more proactive in raising their children.
“Our children are making mistakes because we have abandoned them. Mothers must stand for their girls, and fathers must come back home to protect their families,” she said.
The leaders agreed that teenage pregnancies have become one of the biggest social challenges in the region, threatening education, fuelling poverty, and limiting opportunities for young women.
Besides addressing teenage pregnancy, the meeting also discussed security concerns in Igembe North. Mutuati Market Chairlady Kagendo Eunice praised the MP for enhancing collaboration between the community and security agencies, which has restored peace and allowed traders to operate safely into the night. She, however, requested installation of more security lights inside the market, noting that the existing ones are only along the main road.
Henry Gitonga, a resident of Antubetwe Kiongo, suggested that sub-area leaders be provided with monthly stipends to motivate them to maintain law and order at the grassroots.
Jediel Mawira, Chairperson of the Igembe North Boda Boda Association, criticized some law enforcement officers for shielding wrongdoers, while Laare Market Chairman Msafiri Cheupe and Ntunene Chief Edward Mutalii urged parents to take a stronger role in protecting children, especially girls.
MP Taitumu revealed that the Ministry of Interior is exploring ways to provide stipends to sub-area leaders and announced plans to establish a police training camp and improve security roads in the region.
He urged residents to avoid offering bribes and instead report security and moral concerns directly to him or their local chiefs.
Taitumu further called on all community members, parents, and leaders to unite in ending teenage pregnancies, restoring moral values, and safeguarding the future of Igembe North’s young generation.
By Kamanja Maeria
