Teen Pregnancies Threaten Learners' Education as Stakeholders Urged to Act in Kitui

 Education stakeholders are now being urged to take urgent action to curb the rising cases that have seen several students deliver babies while sitting for their final examinations.

Every year, Kitui County faces challenges during end-of-year national exams, with some learners giving birth during the examination period. This year was no exception, as three incidents were reported in different sub-counties. Two of the affected students, a Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) candidate and a Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) candidate, delivered while writing their examination papers at Kitui County Referral Hospital. Another case involved a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate who gave birth to twins but still managed to complete her papers from her hospital bed.

The County Director of Education, Dr Khalif Isaack, confirmed the cases while addressing the press from his office after the completion of KCSE examinations. He commended the affected learners for their determination but expressed concern over the rising number of teenage pregnancies that continue to disrupt education.“We had hardship cases where three learners – one from Grade 6, one from Grade 9 and one Form Four student  who delivered during the examination period but managed to complete their papers as required,” said Dr Khalif.“Apart from these incidents, the examination period was smooth, with no major challenges reported by the education or security departments.”

Dr Khalif emphasised the need for all education stakeholders to address the underlying causes of early pregnancies that hinder academic progress among girls.“Among the female candidates, one gave birth to twins while undertaking her exams. This is a wake-up call for parents, teachers and the community to take collective responsibility in protecting our children from early pregnancies, drug abuse and bad company,” he added.

The Director urged parents to play an active role in mentoring and supervising their children, especially during the holiday period, to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviour that could compromise their future.“We have released learners, including those who have completed their final year exams, and we appeal to parents and stakeholders to take serious responsibility in caring for them while at home,” he said. “Let us ensure they remain safe and focused on their education.”

Dr Khalif also announced plans by the Ministry of Education to intensify guidance and counselling programmes in schools and communities across Kitui. These initiatives aim to empower learners, particularly girls, with knowledge and skills to avoid early pregnancies and remain in school until completion.“All administration officers, parents, child protection stakeholders, boards of management, teachers and political leaders must join hands to end this menace,” he stated. “We are stepping up to implement counselling and mentorship programmes to support our girls and safeguard their education journey.”

The call by Dr Khalif comes amid growing concern over teenage pregnancies in Kitui South and Kitui West sub-counties, where cases of child abuse and molestation have been frequently reported.

Education experts and community leaders now urge a united front to protect learners and secure the future of education in the county.