This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
On July 5, 2020, statistics on pregnant teenage girls in Kenya caused widespread concern. The numbers were deemed too high by many, raising questions about their accuracy.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha expressed skepticism about the survey's findings, attributing the trend to the rise of pornography websites. However, the authenticity of the survey remains unclear.
The report revealed alarming statistics, with 3,964 girls under 18 years old becoming pregnant in Machakos County in the last five months. The survey also found that about one in five adolescent girls has either given birth or is pregnant with their first child.
The statistics were met with panic, with many questioning how the data was collected. The blame game ensued on social media, with people attempting to investigate the reasons behind the spike in teen pregnancies during the Covid-19 period.
Experts point out that systemic measures are needed to protect children and ensure they feel safe. However, the current situation is far from ideal, with police stations being intimidating and lacking in child-friendly facilities.
The Judiciary is also struggling with a backlog of cases, making it difficult to prosecute child abusers. Many teens are afraid to visit health centers due to fear of being forced into quarantine, and healthcare workers often lack the necessary training to deal with such cases.
A referral database for sexual and gender-based violence exists, but it has not been updated recently. Additionally, many helplines are non-functional, leaving vulnerable children without support.
According to Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, executive director of Siasa Place, the sad truth about teen pregnancy statistics is that children are often abused by people they know, and they are safer at school than in their own homes.
