Police in Bungoma County have launched investigations to identify and apprehend men suspected of impregnating 36 students from Bakisa Girls Secondary School in Webuye East.
The cases have sparked concern over the safety of schoolgirls and the wider challenge of teenage pregnancies in Kenya. The matter has also attracted the attention of lawmakers, who are demanding that those responsible be traced and brought to justice.
According to the school principal, Ruth Malika, 10 students are currently pregnant, while 13 have already given birth. A further 13 girls reportedly dropped out of school after becoming pregnant, bringing the total number of affected students to 36.
Malika said the extent of the situation became clear after she asked a teacher to compile a list of students who were either pregnant or had already become mothers. The number recorded on the list raised serious concern within the school administration.
The pregnancies have also disrupted the students’ education. While some of the affected girls have experienced difficulties keeping up with their studies, others have reportedly been forced to leave school.
The Kenya Women Senators Association has called for immediate and thorough investigations. The lawmakers, led by nominated Senator Catherine Muma, urged the police, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and education officials to coordinate their efforts to establish who is responsible.
The senators cautioned against simply referring to the cases as teenage pregnancies, noting that the students are minors. They called for investigations to determine whether the girls were sexually abused and for anyone found culpable to face the law.
The school administration has also expressed concern over the learners’ security. Reports indicate that the institution does not have a perimeter wall, while many students commute between their homes and the school.
The incident has renewed calls for parents, teachers, security agencies and local communities to work together to protect children from sexual abuse and ensure that affected learners receive the necessary support to continue their education.
Investigations are expected to continue as authorities work to identify the suspected perpetrators and take appropriate legal action.