Police in Webuye East, Bungoma County, have launched a manhunt for men suspected of impregnating learners from Bakisa Girls Secondary School in Mihuu Ward amid growing concern over teenage pregnancies at the institution.
The school has reported that 36 learners have been affected by teenage pregnancies, with the cases involving girls who are currently pregnant, have already become mothers or have dropped out of school.
According to school principal Ruth Malika, 10 girls are currently pregnant, while 13 have already given birth and another 13 have dropped out of school.
Webuye East Assistant County Commissioner Emmanuel Kenga said authorities had obtained information on the cases and were working to identify and apprehend the men involved.
Kenga said many of the suspected perpetrators were adults, raising concerns over the safety and protection of the learners.
The school administration has called for stronger measures to protect girls from circumstances that could interfere with their education.
Malika said establishing a boarding section could help improve the safety of learners, noting that the school currently lacks a perimeter fence, which allows some students to leave the institution without the knowledge of teachers.
Parents have also been urged to ensure their children attend school consistently and receive adequate guidance and mentorship.
Local leaders have called for stronger child-protection measures and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the pregnancies while urging affected learners to receive the necessary support to continue with their education.
