This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Published on July 12, 2020, by Faith Nyamai
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has urged the government to establish special schools for teenage mothers, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to continue their education.
According to Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori, the special schools should be mainstreamed to cater for young mothers who experience difficulties when they resume studies in regular schools.
With the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a surge in teenage pregnancies, Kuppet has also called for the establishment of rescue centres for teenage mothers, particularly in areas where female genital mutilation is prevalent or in marginalized counties.
Since the pandemic began, 20,828 girls aged between 10 and 14 have fallen pregnant, while 24,106 girls between 15-19 are either pregnant or mothers already, according to a report by the National Council on Population and Development.
Machakos County recorded the highest cases of 4,000 teenage pregnancies, followed by Nakuru with 1,748, Kajiado with 1,523, Kericho with 1,006, Homa Bay with 957, and Garissa with 901.
Mr. Misori emphasized that establishing special schools for teenage mothers should not be misinterpreted as separating them from other students but rather to encourage them to continue their education.
He also highlighted the risks associated with teenage pregnancy, including premature birth, low birth weight, perinatal and maternal deaths, as well as the long-term effects of abortion.
Furthermore, Kuppet has called for the establishment of borstal institutions, youth correctional facilities for boy offenders between the ages of 15 and 17, to deal with child offenders.
Chairman Omboko Milemba emphasized the need for the government to make a deliberate effort to protect the girl-child, while also acknowledging the responsibility of parents in teaching their children about morality.
