Lusaka calls parents to order over high rate of teenage pregnancies

By Peter Ochieng 

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka on Friday condemned what he termed as rampant cases of teenage pregnancies in Bungoma schools.

Addressing residents during the 2023 Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Ndivisi primary school in Webuye East Constituency, Lusaka expressed concern over rising cases of teenage pregnancies in schools, warning that perpetrators will face the full force of the law.

"It is disheartening to learn of the increasing number of teenage mothers, moreso school going children. Those culpable will be dealt with accordingly," warned the county boss.

The former Senate Speaker called parents to order, urging them to focus on their parental role of guiding their children, especially during the upcoming December holidays.

"Take control of your children as schools break for the long festive holidays. It is your sole responsibility as parents."

On her part, Jenipher Mbatiany, deputy governor Bungoma county urged learners to embrace christian values in order to succeed in life.

"Today, I am the deputy governor Bungoma county. What made me to be where I am today? Hard work, determination, discipline and loving God. Christian values," she said.

"I want to encourage you, as we are coming to the close of the term, most of us are going back home to our parents. Kindly remain disciplined," she added.

She warned girls against falling in the traps of men during the holiday.

"Don't go out there and accept to be deceived by young men and old men. There is a very bad report in our county. That in one of our schools, we have more than 20 girls that are pregnant and more than 30 who are mothers. They have children but they went back to school. Is that what we want to hear?"

Lusaka directed education teams to look into the school, which has reportedly become a 'breeding ground' for teenage pregnancies in the entire county.

"Visit the institution and establish the cause of this alarming trend. This is a crisis."

The event was attended by among others, Thomas Sankei, Bungoma County Commissioner, Martin Wanyonyi (Webuye East MP) and Emmanuel Situma (County Assembly Speaker).