Makueni: Stakeholders in the Gender Sector Working Group (GSWG) Committee in Makueni county have resolved to enhance sensitisation among national and county government officials, aimed at reducing the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, members also agreed unanimously that the church should be involved in sensitising children, especially during long holidays, so that the vice can be minimised. Speaking while chairing the GSWG stakeholders meeting, held at the County Commissioner's boardroom, area Assistant County Commissioner Nancy Kimutai said more resources should be mobilised so that they can also sensitize men on their role in curbing teenage pregnancies.
During their deliberations, the members also resolved that the media should propagate issues of teenage pregnancies, for instance through radio talks by the relevant department in order to reduce the vice that had impacted negatively on the overall education of the girl child. Speaking at the meeting, the County Quality Assurance Officer and Standards (CQAOS), Richard Mulozya enumerated the total cases of pregnancies across sub counties in the region including Makindu (31), Nzaui (36), Mbooni West (53), Kilungu (10), Mbooni East (53), Kibwezi (10), Mukaa (46) and Kathozweni (10).
On her part, the County Director of Gender, Jane Makau said, 'We have observed a worrying trend arising in the society, where boda boda riders are involved in selling drugs and many girls are taking the substance.' When we allow drugs in the society it compromises students' education. The trend is worrying because school drop-out is also on the increase, she added.
Makau further expressed her disappointment that both levels of government have failed to invest in the social sector that involves issues of children, saying instead they have huge budgets for roads and water. 'There is very minimal investment in the social sector. But big monies are being set aside for water and roads sectors,' she said. While saying many of these girls get pregnant in their first trial, she blamed the rising cases on poverty.
The committee members also underscored the need to combat the rising cases of suicide, gender-based violence and mental health issues in the area, which were negatively impacting society.