Written by Alice Njoki
Police in Bungoma County have launched investigations and a manhunt after 36 learners at Bakisa Secondary School in Webuye East were reported to have been affected by teenage pregnancies. The school administration says 10 learners are currently pregnant, 13 have become mothers, while another 13 have reportedly dropped out of school after becoming pregnant.
The school administration reported the pregnancies to local authorities, leading police to begin tracing the people linked to the cases. Webuye East Assistant County Commissioner Emmanuel Kenga said officers are following up on the reports and have a list of the affected learners. He added that each case will be followed up, including earlier reports involving learners from the school, to establish what happened and identify those involved.
The situation has raised concern over the learners’ education, with the school proposing to put up a dormitory for girls. Bakisa Secondary School is currently a day school, and the proposed accommodation is intended to help learners remain in school. School Principal Ruth Malika has also called for greater support from parents to help keep learners in school and protect their education.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported pregnancies and whether any offences were committed. The people being sought by police have not been convicted of any offence, and investigations will determine whether anyone should face criminal charges. Learners who leave school because of pregnancy can also return to education under Kenya’s school re-entry guidelines.