Kisii’s 200 Teen Mothers Get Lifeline as Government Demands Immediate School Reentry

By Elizabeth Angira

Ambassador Professor Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, has directed education officials in the region to ensure that all 200 girls return to school immediately and without any conditions.

Speaking at Sugubo Secondary School in Bobasi Constituency during a community empowerment forum, Prof. Bitok emphasized that the government is firmly committed to ensuring that every child under the age of 18 is in school.

He reiterated that the President has made it clear: no student should be turned away because of lack of school fees, uniform, or any other requirement.

“I am here with education officials, and we have agreed that we will mobilize every village to ensure that all learners return to school,” he said.

The PS noted that special attention would be given to teen mothers to ensure they receive the support they need to resume their education.

He warned those responsible for harming children that the government would not tolerate such actions.

“We will not allow anyone to interfere with the lives of our young girls. They must be protected,” he stated, calling upon teachers, religious leaders, the church, and all stakeholders to work together in safeguarding children from violence and exploitation.

Prof. Bitok termed it deeply troubling that 200 girls in Kisii County are facing challenges related to early pregnancy.

He described the situation as unacceptable and urged collective responsibility in addressing the crisis.

He further called upon the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to work closely with education officials in tracing and mobilizing learners back to school, especially vulnerable girls in villages across the county.

On matters of governance, the PS revealed that the government is also focused on cleaning and verifying data within the basic education sector.

Following the recent release of an official report by the Cabinet Secretary, the ministry is working to ensure accurate student enrollment data across primary, junior, and senior schools nationwide.

He confirmed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been engaged to investigate cases where enrollment data may have been exaggerated. Those found culpable will face the full force of the law.

“The report is public, and action will be taken. Anyone found manipulating student data will be held accountable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, expressed solidarity with the affected girls and widows in the community, sharing that he personally understands the pain of growing up in a widowed household.

“I am a product of a widow myself. I understand that struggle,” he said.

He linked the initiative to the government’s broader bottom-up economic transformation agenda under President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, which seeks to uplift vulnerable populations.

He referenced the NYOTA programme, which targets youth aged 19–29 who dropped out of school and supports them with funding to start income-generating ventures.

“What we are doing here is similar ensuring that these 200 girls from Sugubo are not left behind. They deserve a second chance. They deserve dignity and opportunity,” he said.

On the ICT front, Isaboke assured residents that the government is expanding the digital superhighway across Kisii County. A Centre of Excellence is under construction in the South Mugirango area, alongside additional digital hubs across constituencies, including Masige and other parts of the county.

These hubs and schools, he said, will be equipped with computers to bridge the digital divide and ensure youth are part of the digital economy.

Kisii woman rep Dorice Donya, described meeting teen mothers who were struggling with uncertainty about their future. Many did not know how they could return to school or rebuild their lives.

Donya said that, after the visit, consultations were held in Nairobi with Prof. Bitok, who expressed deep concern and committed to personally addressing the situation and offering hope.

Donya spoke firmly against defilement and the culture of silence surrounding such crimes.

She stressed that defilement is a criminal offense and must be treated as such not resolved through informal negotiations or prayer sessions conducted at home.

“Defilement is a crime against a child and against the state. It should never be settled privately,” Donya said.

She also challenged the stigma placed on victims, stating clearly that shame belongs to the perpetrator not the child.

“The child did not defile herself. She carries no shame. Accountability must rest entirely with the offender.” Donya said.

Leaders called for stronger enforcement of the law and collective responsibility in protecting children.

They also emphasized the need to empower both the girl child and the boy child, ensuring that all children grow up with education, values, protection, and opportunity.