Written by Alice Njoki
At least 174 children in Kirinyaga County have been reported as victims of defilement and other forms of abuse, while teenage pregnancies in the county stand at 15 per cent, raising fresh concerns about the safety and well-being of children.
The figures were shared by Kirinyaga County Commissioner Shuffaa Mwanjuma during a Rapid Results Initiative meeting held in Kutus on Thursday, November 12, 2026. She said records from the Children’s Office showed that 174 children had experienced defilement or other forms of abuse.
The commissioner described the cases as worrying and called on parents, community leaders and security agencies to strengthen efforts to protect children. However, the report did not specify the period covered by the 174 cases.
Mwanjuma also revealed that teenage pregnancies in the county stood at 15 per cent. She urged families and community leaders to pay closer attention to the challenges facing young people, noting that some children may lack the guidance and support they need as they grow up.
She pointed to family conflicts, unstable home environments and a lack of emotional support as some of the issues affecting young people. She also raised concerns about parental neglect, saying that children need more than basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. They also need adults who listen to them, guide them and take an interest in their lives.
The commissioner asked parents to be more involved in their children’s daily lives, including understanding their friendships, movements and activities. She encouraged families to create an environment where children can speak openly about their concerns rather than fear being punished or dismissed.
Mwanjuma further called on security agencies to investigate reported cases of child abuse and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. She said protecting children requires cooperation between families, local leaders and law enforcement officers.
The concerns come as child protection and teenage pregnancies continue to feature in discussions within Kirinyaga. In July 2026, members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly also raised concerns about adolescent pregnancies. During a debate, nominated MCA Grace Kamau reported that 540 adolescent pregnancy cases had been recorded in the first three months of the year, representing 15.3 per cent of pregnant women seeking antenatal care during that period.
The July figures and the 15 per cent figure shared by the commissioner in November were reported in different contexts, and should not be treated as a direct comparison.
The latest figures bring attention to the experiences of children in the county and the need for reported abuse cases to receive proper attention. For children affected by abuse, access to protection, support and justice remains important, while teenage parents also need support to continue with their education and care for their well-being.