Teenage pregnancies and drug abuse have been singled out as the major factors contributing to children dropping out of school in Kathozweni Sub-county.
The area Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Anabella Gitonga, has said that the vices were impacting negatively on the lives of children by making them drop out of school, besides exposing them to social and economic hardships in the area.
Consequently, Gitonga has called upon parents, the clergy, opinion leaders, and teachers to supplement government efforts in combating the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and school dropouts.
“The fight against drug and substance abuse requires a collective effort from government agencies, schools, churches, and families because drug abuse continues to contribute to school dropouts, crime, and teenage pregnancies, undermining community development efforts,” said the DCC after reading the President’s Speech during Madaraka Day Celebrations held at AIC Kathozweni Primary School grounds on Monday.
Gitonga also urged the residents to report cases of child abuse, early marriages, and drug trafficking to the relevant authorities, with a view to curbing the worrying trend.
“I call upon you to report cases of child abuse, early pregnancies, and drug trafficking to the authorities so that the culprits can be prosecuted. This will safeguard and protect children’s future. Every effort should be made to ensure children are retained in school,” she observed.
By Miriam Ndunge and Ruth Mutanu
