Some 1,000 girls in Kitui County have resumed studies this year after giving birth, Defense PS Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed has revealed.
Speaking during an inspection tour on the resumption of learning after the nine months break due to Covid-19 pandemic, the PS said most teen mothers were already in class and encouraged other expectant and new mothers to follow suit. Some had however become pregnant before the pandemic.
In August 2020, a report by Kitui children department showed that the county had recorded 3, 207 teen pregnancies of ages 10-19 years following the forced school break.
“We have established that most have since delivered and are back to school. We expect that those who are still in advanced stages of pregnancy will follow suit after delivering,” noted Dr Mohamed.
The PS also affirmed that authorities were still tracking down culprits responsible for the teen pregnancies to necessitate prosecution. He said through concerted efforts between school administrators and the government the whereabouts of all learners across Kitui could be accounted for. “We know that some learners fell sick or were involved in accidents and still unwell. The turnout is impressive so far,” he added.
He however regretted that the inspection tour had established that physical distancing amongst learners was still a major drawback especially due to inadequate infrastructure in public learning institutions.
He was accompanied by, among other State officers, the PS for Maritime and Shipping Affairs Nancy Karigithu who lauded schools in the county for undertaking innovative measures to safeguard learners from contracting the deadly viral infection. “Some schools have converted dining halls into dormitories or classrooms to ease congestion,” Karigithu said. She also affirmed the government’s commitment to provide extra classrooms in all public schools nationwide.
Among the schools the team inspected were Ikanga primary Ikanga Girls, Kisasi primary, Kisasi Boys, Kitui School, Central primary, Muthale primary, St. Anne’s Muthale Girls, Itoloni Girls and St. Augustine Mwingi Boys.
By Yobesh Onwong’a
