Baby bump of a pregnant woman [Photo-Courtesy]
More than half the population of teenagers in Kakamega County is either pregnant or has given birth, according to Harriet Chiggai, the Gender Advisor in the Office of the President.
Ms. Chiggai also noted that Bungoma and Narok counties are leading in gender-based violence.
The latest data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) also shows that Western Kenya records the highest cases of vulnerability for the girl child, with Bungoma leading with 18.6 percent, Busia 18.3 percent, Trans Nzoia 17.8 percent, Kakamega 15.1 percent, and Vihiga 7.7 percent.
These figures are above the national average of 14.9 percent.
“A county with 60 percent of its population with teenage pregnancies is a bad scenario. We must stand up and condemn such vices and work on ways to stem the problem,” said Chiggai in reference to Kakameg County.
Kakamega County First Lady, Prof. Janet Kasili, echoed Chiggai’s sentiments and talked about her plans to curb the rise in the cases.
“A woman is the heart of society and must be protected and empowered. As we continue to advocate against gender-based violence that is strife in Kakamega, I commit to ensuring the 60 per cent of teenage girls who are either pregnant or have given birth, go back to school,” said Prof Kasili.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also expressed worry about the data.
“The nation and the people of Western Kenya region, in particular, should be worried by this crisis. This is an eye-opener to society. When we are here discussing how to empower the women of Kenya, socially, economically and even politically, we must act fast,” he said.
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