KNUT and CS Aisha Jumwa Oppose Proposal to Ban Pregnant Girls from School
In a recent development, Gender, Culture, and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, along with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), have cautioned politicians against advocating for the exclusion of pregnant teens from schools.
This warning comes in response to Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s call for a ban on pregnant teens returning to school to prevent a crisis in the county. CS Jumwa and Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu criticized the governor’s statement, describing it as unfortunate.
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Ms. Jumwa emphasized that every child has the right to discrimination-free education, citing international, regional human rights laws, and the Kenyan Constitution of 2010. She pointed out that government policies discriminating against girls due to pregnancy or marriage violate these laws.
Governor Lusaka’s proposal to prevent pregnant teens from continuing their studies was met with opposition. He argued that allowing pregnant girls back into school was seen as a non-issue and should now be discouraged to deter other young girls from getting pregnant.
However, Governor Lusaka later denied proposing a ban on pregnant girls attending school, clarifying that he was explaining the taboo nature of teenage pregnancy during his youth.
In response, CS Jumwa condemned his sentiments, highlighting the importance of allowing girls the privilege of staying in school to pursue a good career, learn responsibility, and avoid potential harm to themselves and their babies.
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CS Jumwa stressed that the government has established legislation to ensure a 100 percent transition of learners, including pregnant teens. She mentioned Kenya’s re-entry policy, allowing learners who drop out of school for any reason, including pregnancy, to complete their education. According to the policy, all children deserve a second chance.
Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu expressed concern about missing candidates who did not sit national exams and mentioned President William Ruto’s directive to probe over 3,000 candidates who registered but failed to take the exams.
Oyuu argued against denying education to specific children due to pregnancy, advocating for the return of teen mothers to school after childbirth.
In closing, Mr. Oyuu urged considering all learners as equals, emphasizing that Governor Lusaka’s proposal is unfortunate and that leaders should act as parents, safeguarding the well-being of children and avoiding harm based on pregnancy-related matters.
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KNUT and CS Aisha Jumwa Oppose Proposal to Ban Pregnant Girls from School
