Meru County is grappling with a pressing issue: a teenage pregnancy rate of 28%, the highest in Kenya and significantly above the national average of 17%. This alarming statistic, sourced from the Kenya Health Information System under the Ministry of Health, reveals a crisis that demands immediate attention, yet severely unreported.
The impact of this surge is evident, with increased school dropouts in areas like Buuri and Igembe, and heightened health risks for young girls in Imenti North, Central, and South. These challenges highlight the urgent need for effective interventions.
In response, a stakeholders’ forum recently convened in Meru, bringing together religious leaders, community elders, government officials, and NGOs.
Their goal? To craft a unified strategy to tackle this issue head-on. Bishop Silas Mugo from the NICA Meru branch emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among religious, traditional, and political leaders to secure a better future for children.
Imam Abdikadir Ousam of Meru Prison pointed out the necessity of comprehensive sex education and fostering open discussions about teenage sexuality as key steps in addressing early pregnancies. Participants also stressed the crucial role parents play in guiding and supporting adolescents to prevent teenage pregnancies.
The consensus among stakeholders is clear: long-term, community-driven solutions are essential to protect young girls and ensure they remain in school. Immediate and sustained action is needed to address the rising teenage pregnancy rates and secure a brighter future for Meru’s youth.
