There is a need to invest in systems of counseling among the teenage girls in school to help eliminate cases of early pregnancies.
Water, Irrigation and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki has said lack of consistent talks to the girls was a major contributor to the high numbers of teenage mothers.
“Parents, guardians and the community at large needs to help these girls focus and keep them in safe spaces while they try to make good choices, while in school and the community,” said Kariuki.
The CS who was speaking at Shamata Girls in Nyandarua County, during a tree planting exercise called on security agencies to always apprehend perpetrators of incest and defilement among the girls.
“Where the students get in the family way though rape or incest, the legal system exists to ensure the perpetrators who use force must be prosecuted,” said the CS.
Kariuki, who graced the International Biodiversity day celebrations, called on the girls to be good ambassadors of the environment by planting trees.
She regretted that the climatic conditions had completely changed following environmental degradation.
On his part, National Deputy Chief Conservator Patrick Kariuki noted that the country still lagged behind at 7.2 forest cover.
“Get Kenya Forest Services officers spread across the country to help you know which trees to place where on your lands towards attaining the 10 percent forest cover by 2022,” noted the Officer.
His sentiment were echoed by the Dedan Kimathi Foundation CEO Evelyne Kimathi who noted that they were going around the country planting trees till they reach the intended 30 million tree seedlings in two years.
The foundation distributed 1000 tree seedling to farmers around Shamata.
By Anne Sabuni
