Narok County Commissioner Evans Achoki has warned parents who will fail to take their children back to school as guided by the Ministry of Education of dire consequences.
Achoki observed that despite reports that the county had recorded thousands of teenage pregnancies during the season, the children have been at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic and this does not deter them from going back to school.
“There is no medical prove that once a girl is pregnant, she becomes mentally retarded. No girl should be left behind when schools open regardless of whether they are pregnant or have already given birth,” said Achoki.
He spoke from his office today where he warned that parents who failed to take back their children to school would be arrested and prosecuted in court of law.
“We expect the parents to cooperate with the Ministry of Education and follow the guidelines given for the sake of their children. Otherwise, we will use the chiefs on the ground who will help in notifying us of any parent who defies the law,” said Achoki.
In a recent prayer meeting held at Ole Ntimama stadium, Narok Governor Samuel Tunai said about 5, 500 teenage girls in the county had been reported having fallen pregnant since March when schools were closed because of Covid-19 pandemic.
The commissioner also took issue with residents still practicing outdated cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages saying their days were numbered.
“In the recent past, we have nabbed tens of people who were practicing FGM andthey were charged in court of law with abetting FGM. The war will continue until the practice is a thing of the past in this county,” said the top county administrator.
Achoki reiterated his earlier warning to chiefs who collaborate with the residents in a bid to hide evidence of FGM in court saying they risked losing their jobs.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta has already made it clear that this outdated cultural practice, FGM, should end by the year 2022. Anyone with intention of continuing the practice should be warned that we will arrest them and ensure they are punished accordingly,” repeated Achoki.
By Ann Salaton
