NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) has called for urgent investigations into 36 teenage pregnancy cases reported at Bakisa Secondary School in Webuye East, Bungoma County.
The senators said authorities must establish the circumstances surrounding the cases and identify anyone found to have sexually abused or exploited the affected learners.
The school has reported that 10 girls are currently expectant, 13 have already given birth, and another 13 dropped out of school after becoming pregnant, bringing the number of affected learners to 36.
Women Senators Demand Arrests
Speaking during the first day of the Senate Mashinani tour at Malindi Women’s Prison in Kilifi County, nominated Senator Catherine Mumma said the situation should not be treated as an ordinary teenage pregnancy.
Mumma said where minors have been sexually abused, the circumstances should be investigated as possible criminal offences.
“We make it seem like it is okay for children to be pregnant. As KEWOSA we detest this,” she said.
She said the senators were prepared to work with the Interior Ministry and other agencies to ensure investigations move swiftly.
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda also called for those responsible to be identified and arrested where evidence supports criminal charges.
“We would want to see those perpetrators are arrested,” she said.
Police Launch Manhunt
Police in Bungoma have already launched investigations and a manhunt for people suspected to be connected to the reported cases.
Webuye East Assistant County Commissioner Emmanuel Kenga said security agencies had a list of cases that would be followed up individually.
“These girls did not impregnate themselves,” Kenga said, adding that investigators would establish the circumstances of the pregnancies and pursue those responsible.
Police have not publicly named suspects or announced arrests in connection with the cases.
School Says Girls’ Education Has Been Disrupted
Bakisa Secondary School Principal Ruth Malika said the cases had affected the education and wellbeing of the learners.
The school is a day institution, and the administration has raised concerns about the safety of girls travelling between school and their homes.
Malika has appealed for support to construct a dormitory, saying boarding facilities could help keep learners within the school environment and allow them to continue with their education.
The school also lacks a perimeter wall, according to reports, making it more difficult to monitor movements in and around the institution.
Senators Push for Stronger Child Protection
The senators said the Bungoma cases demonstrate the need for stronger coordination between education officials, police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), local administrators and communities.
KEWOSA called for the relevant agencies to work together to establish what happened in each case and ensure that any person found to have committed an offence against a minor is dealt with through the law.
The intervention comes amid broader concerns over teenage pregnancies and school dropout rates, particularly where affected learners struggle to return to education after giving birth.
Call for Support for Affected Learners
Community members have also urged authorities to focus on supporting the affected girls rather than blaming them.
Parents and local stakeholders have called for investigations to be expedited while ensuring the learners receive the support needed to continue their education.
The school has urged leaders and other stakeholders to support construction of a dormitory as one measure that could improve the safety and retention of learners.
Senators Seek Reforms at Malindi Women’s Prison
During their visit to Malindi Women’s Prison, the senators also called for reforms at the facility’s rehabilitation centre.
They said inmates should receive practical skills and other support to improve their chances of successfully reintegrating into society after completing their sentences.
The senators’ visit formed part of the Senate Mashinani tour, which seeks to take Senate activities and consultations closer to communities.
Meanwhile, investigations into the Bakisa cases continue as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding each reported pregnancy and identify anyone who may have committed an offence.
