The Ministry of Education has announced new measures to curb the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and sexual exploitation of learners in schools.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that a special unit will be established to handle these cases, following concerns raised during a Senate Education Committee meeting in Mombasa.
Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma called for urgent action, citing high numbers of teenage pregnancies and a lack of clear policy for reintegrating young mothers into schools. She condemned the transfer of teachers accused of abuse, warning that such moves enable repeat offences.
In Nyakach constituency alone, 3,816 cases of teenage pregnancies were recorded in 2023, including girls as young as ten. Data from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) shows 111 reported cases of sexual abuse by teachers between January and September 2024. So far, 69 teachers have been dismissed and deregistered. However, TSC legal director Cavin Anyuor admitted that none have been prosecuted.
Anyuor noted that deregistered teachers cannot be employed again in Kenya or abroad. Still, the disciplinary process remains slow, with some cases pending or overturned due to lack of evidence.
The TSC requires school heads to report abuse cases within 24 hours, with a dedicated email for anonymous reporting now in place.
CS Ogamba acknowledged the topic’s sensitivity but stressed the ministry’s commitment to enforcing child protection policies. Senator Betty Montet criticised delays in implementing sex education, attributing them to religious disagreements over content.
The ministry’s move marks a firmer stance against abuse and signals potential policy reforms to address long-standing systemic failures in schools.
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