Drama has erupted after police reportedly started a manhunt for men accused of impregnating 36 students from the same girls’ school, raising fresh concerns over the growing problem of teenage pregnancies in Kenya.
The alarming situation was reported at Bakisa Girls Secondary School, where Principal Ruth Malika said dozens of students have been affected by teenage pregnancies.According to Malika, 10 students are currently pregnant, while 13 have already given birth.
Another 13 students reportedly dropped out of school after becoming pregnant, bringing the total number of affected students to 36.
The principal said she became concerned after asking a teacher to compile a list of students who were either pregnant or had already become mothers.
The findings reportedly left her shocked by the number of girls affected.
Malika said the situation was particularly worrying because teenage pregnancy can interrupt a student’s education and affect her chances of completing school.
She also expressed concern that some students appeared to view teenage pregnancy as an increasingly normal occurrence despite its potential consequences.
The principal further linked the pregnancies to poor academic performance among some of the affected students.
She noted that difficulties become evident when examination results are released, with some girls struggling academically after their education has been disrupted.
The reported police manhunt is now expected to focus attention on the men believed to have been involved with the students.
Identifying and taking action against adults responsible for impregnating schoolgirls is also likely to raise questions about child protection and the safety of learners.
Teenage pregnancy remains a major challenge for education systems and communities because it can force girls to leave school, delay their studies or make it difficult for them to return after childbirth.
The situation at Bakisa Girls Secondary School has therefore renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schoolgirls, address the circumstances behind teenage pregnancies and ensure affected students receive the necessary support to continue with their education.