Musalia Mudavadi, the prime cabinet secretary has expressed alarm over the rising number of teenage pregnancies, particularly in the western Kenya.
Given the sobering facts of the rate at which adolescent pregnancies are increasing in the nation, Mudavadi claimed that the vulnerability of the girl child persists unabatedly. He was addressing at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s inaugural Western Kenya Women’s Conference (MMUST).
“The people of Western Kenya in particular need to understand that we are in a severe situation and are on the verge of crossing the line. Instances of kids having kids are no longer funny, he said.
Statistics, according to the Prime Minister, show that teen pregnancy vulnerability is at alarmingly high levels in the western counties, with Bungoma posting 18.6%, Busia 18.3%, Trans Nzoia 17.8%, Kakamega 15.1 and Vihiga 7.7%.
The counties also have the highest pregnancy risk in the country. In order to empower girls and prevent them from becoming victims of teenage pregnancies, Mudavadi urged women to take the initiative. He specifically mentioned the story of a woman from Lugari who is now 24 years old and was wed off at age 13 after she lost both parents. He said that rather than celebrating the mother of three’s experience, society ought to use it as a wake-up call.
“This is a story that should ring in our minds more frequently when we are here debating how to empower the women of Kenya, socially, economically, and even politically.”
He pledged to cover the woman’s college expenses. Despite leaving school at the end of class 7 to get married, she finished her secondary education last year. Mudavadi urged the women to occupy their proper seats at the table of power.
“I will support the Western Kenyan women in their efforts to create systems that will give your community the power to take care of itself. Also, keep in mind that young girls are particularly susceptible to the gender-based violence that is prevalent in our nation.
“Mothers are affected by this, and speaking up will both benefit you and prevent others from experiencing similar circumstances.”