Seliphar Musungu, Kakamega
Cases of teenage pregnancy in Kakamega County are rising daily.
Mumias west sub county is leading with the highest numbers, this is according to the report from the Ministry of Health.
Mumias west sub county reproductive health coordinator Mary Kunyo said that more than 50 cases of teenage pregnancies are reported each month in Mumias West.
“Mumias West is among the leading sub counties in Kakamega County with the highest numbers of teenage pregnancies reported every month in the age bracket of 12 to 16 years,” said Kunyo
Kunyo who spoke during the International Day of the Girl Child celebration held by International Committee for the Development of Peoples (CISP) at Musanda, Mumias West sub county Kakamega County said that parents have neglected their role of advising and guiding their children especially the girl child and have left it to teachers and organizations like CISP.
“Organizations like CISP have played a bigger role in mentoring, educating and guiding these young mothers from this sub county. Parents should also offer a helping hand and ensure that these children to go back to school,” said Kunyo
Kunyo urged parents to take the lead in advising children, especially teenage mothers to go back to school and complete their studies and achieve their dreams in life.
Mr. Fredrick Omolo, the Activity coordinator, Child protection project being implemented in partnership with CISP said that Matungu Rural Poverty Alleviation (MARPA) and CISP have worked hand in hand to make sure that teenage mothers who have dropped out of school go back to school and they get necessary mentorship.
“We have a continuous program with the girls and we have placed them in groups of twenty five whereby they are taken through mentorship sessions using a comprehensive CISP guide twice a month. We also assist them with bursaries, other education support and dignity kits,” said Omolo.
One of the teenage mothers, Zena Amweye who got pregnant in form two and completed her secondary education last year with a mean grace of C+ advised other teenage mothers to embrace education and work hard to achieve their goals in life and advised parents to always be supportive to their children.
“When I was pregnant I never dropped out of school, I was able to complete my studies with the support of my mother. I urge parents to always support their children and advise them to continue with their studies after delivery,” said Zena.
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