This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
As the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health has raised alarm over a worrying trend of increasing cases of domestic abuse and teenage pregnancies.
According to Health CAS Mary Mwangangi, the rise in these cases is linked to the prolonged stay-home directive issued by the government to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
With learning institutions and selected places of work closed for months, and a nationwide curfew in place, many Kenyans have been forced to remain indoors for an unprecedented longer period.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Mwangangi acknowledged that domestic abuse and teenage pregnancies are a global challenge, but emphasized that one case is one too many.
She added that law enforcers are working to bring perpetrators to justice, and that counselling services are being provided to those affected.
As part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus, Mwangangi also reminded Kenyans returning home from abroad to provide proof of testing and negative results of coronavirus in the form of a clearance certificate from the country of origin.
