The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) has called for urgent investigations into reported teenage pregnancies involving 36 learners at Bakisa Secondary School in Webuye, Bungoma County.
According to the school, 13 girls have already given birth, 13 are currently pregnant, while another 10 have dropped out after becoming pregnant.
The cases have raised concerns over the safety, education and wellbeing of the affected learners, with security agencies investigating the circumstances surrounding the pregnancies.
Speaking during the first day of the Senate Mashinani tour at Malindi Women’s Prison in Kilifi County, nominated Senator Catherine Mumma said the cases should be investigated as possible sexual offences against minors.
“That is actually defilement. And I have said it before: when we use the word ‘pregnant’, we make it look as if it is okay for children to be pregnant,” Mumma said.
Mumma said KEWOSA was concerned by the situation and urged the Ministry of Interior, education officials, school administrators, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), police and community policing structures to work together to identify and apprehend those responsible.
She said senators were ready to cooperate with security agencies to ensure the investigations were completed and perpetrators brought to justice.
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda Munene also called on security officials in Bungoma to intensify efforts to identify those behind the reported cases.
“Na mimi nataka kuwaambia security operators wa pale Bungoma County sisi kama senator tutakuwa tunateremka huko apart from kukemea hili jambo, tungetaka kuona yule mwanaume amewekwa ndani,” Tabitha said.
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding each reported case and identify persons of interest.
Meanwhile, the school administration has raised concerns over the daily movement of learners between their homes and school.
The administration has appealed for support to construct a dormitory, saying improved boarding facilities could help enhance the safety and security of girls.
The senators have urged all relevant agencies to act swiftly to protect the affected learners and ensure those found culpable face the law.
