This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
On June 30, 2020, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha made a striking statement, accusing parents of negligence and abandoning their responsibility to advise their children on the dangers of early sex.
Magoha's sentiments were echoed by Benjamin Sogomo, a former Teachers Service Commission secretary, who wrote in a column that parents have failed to teach their children the importance of refraining from adultery.
With 3,964 schoolgirl pregnancies reported in Machakos County alone, concerns have been raised that these figures may be 'doctored' to suit the agenda of reproductive health NGOs. However, the reality is that any under-18 becoming pregnant is one too many.
Four key factors could be contributing to the surge in teenage pregnancies: idleness, parents' failure to teach their children to refrain from adultery, the abandonment of traditional culture, and the influence of pornography.
As Prof Magoha observed, children are left with too much energy when they have little or no schoolwork to do, leading them to engage in sexual experimentation. Moreover, the decline of family prayers and the prioritization of making money over family interaction have also contributed to the crisis.
It is time for parents to re-evaluate their priorities and take responsibility for their children's well-being. By keeping their children busy and engaged, parents can help them burn off excess sexual energies and slow the rat race for their children's sake.
Ms Kweyu is a consultant revise editor with the Daily Nation.
