This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
June 6, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a dark reality in Kenya, with at least three school girls impregnated since schools were closed in March. Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has condemned the rising cases of child abuse and defilement, calling on parents to love and care for their children.
Magoha received a report on proposals for the resumption of learning, which was suspended due to the pandemic. He expressed his disappointment and frustration at the situation, saying that some parents do not love their children. 'I think we should only produce those children we are only able to take care of,' he said.
Magoha revealed that the source of anger emanated from the rising cases of child abuse and defilement. He said that since March, at least three needy girls have been impregnated, which he described as a 'very big shame' to their parents.
He urged parents to change their mindset and love their children, saying that love is not about the money you give them, but the number of seconds and minutes you spend with them. Magoha also secured scholarships for all the girls.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was expected to issue new guidelines on Saturday on the fate of the nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew and other restrictions, including when schools will be re-opened. However, opinion is divided on whether schools should be re-opened, with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) warning that re-opening schools when the curve is growing will be exposing learners and teachers to risks of infections.
By June 5, Kenya had recorded 2,474 infections. The Education CS has also urged parents to take note of a police alert cautioning against sex predators preying on children online. Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti warned of increased cases of offenses against children online, which have led to physical meetings for exploitation.
