20 Top Counties In Teenage Pregnancies
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has accused 20 counties and their governors of having the highest incidence of teenage pregnancies in the nation. The top five counties named for failing to implement measures to prevent early pregnancies are Nairobi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Nakuru, and Kiambu.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has also been criticized by the KHRC for her alleged failure to take tangible and progressive steps to address the teenage pregnancy crisis.
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The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reveals that these 20 counties reported the highest numbers of pregnancies among girls aged between 10 and 19 years. Nairobi leads the list with 452 cases, followed by Kakamega with 328 cases. Other counties in the top 10 include Bungoma, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kilifi, Meru, Kisii, Machakos, and Narok.
KHRC Executive Director General Davis Malombe has issued red cards to the governors of these counties, including Nairobi’s Johnson Sakaja, Kakamega’s Fernandes Barasa, Bungoma’s Kenneth Lusaka, Nakuru’s Susan Kihika, Kiambu’s Kimani Wamatangi, Kilifi’s Gideon Mung’aro, Meru’s Kawira Mwangaza, Kisii’s Simba Arati, and Narok’s Patrick Ole Ntutu.
Additionally, red cards have been issued to 10 other counties with the highest per capita teenage pregnancies, such as Samburu at 50.1%, West Pokot at 36.3%, Marsabit at 29.4%, Migori at 23%, and Kajiado County at 21.8%. Other counties include Baringo, Siaya, Tata Taveta, Trans Nzoia, and Isiolo, whose governors have been issued red cards for their inadequate response to the crisis.
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The KHRC attributes the causes of teenage pregnancies to factors such as poverty, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), low levels of education, harmful cultural practices, and extended school closures.
Malombe emphasized, “Our girls cannot be reduced to statistics; every girl counts, and human rights violations affecting one girl are significant.” The KHRC demands that the Ministry of Education ensures that all pregnant teenage girls are allowed back to school without discrimination. They also call on the Council of Governors to act promptly and urge parents to fulfill their responsibilities.
Program Advisor Robert Waweru expressed concerns about resolving the crisis, particularly due to “reckless remarks made by some leaders,” including Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who suggested that pregnant girls should be barred from returning to class.
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Program Advisor Furaha Charo added, “Governor Kenneth Lusaka must retract his statements against school girls who fall pregnant and commit to facilitating their education.”
20 Top Counties In Teenage Pregnancies