Police in Bungoma have launched investigations and a manhunt following reports that more than 30 learners at Bakisa Secondary School have been affected by pregnancies, motherhood and school dropout. The school says the situation is disrupting the education and wellbeing of the learners, while authorities suspect that adults may be responsible for a significant number of the pregnancies.
Highlights
- 10 learners at Bakisa Secondary School are currently pregnant.
- 13 learners have reportedly already become mothers.
- Another 13 have dropped out of school.
- Police are investigating and searching for those allegedly responsible.
- The school says better security and a proposed girls’ dormitory could help keep learners in school.
Main Story
Bungoma School Raises Alarm
A child protection and education concern has emerged at Bakisa Secondary School in Bungoma County after school officials reported that more than 30 learners have been affected by pregnancies, motherhood or dropping out.
According to the school’s principal, Ruth Malika, 10 girls are currently pregnant, while 13 have already become mothers and another 13 have left school.
The situation has raised concerns about the safety of learners and the impact that early pregnancies and parenthood can have on their education.
Police Launch Investigation
Authorities have now opened investigations and begun efforts to identify people suspected of being responsible for the pregnancies.
Webuye East Assistant County Commissioner Emmanuel Kenga said authorities have compiled information on the cases and intend to pursue those implicated.
Officials have also raised concerns that a significant number of the pregnancies could involve adult men, making the investigations particularly important from a child protection perspective.
School Wants a Girls’ Dormitory
The school’s administration believes that providing boarding facilities for female learners could help address some of the challenges.
Principal Ruth Malika said the school currently lacks adequate fencing, making it difficult to monitor learners’ movements outside the compound.
She suggested that having girls accommodated within the school could make it easier for teachers and administrators to provide closer supervision and support.
However, improved accommodation alone would not address the wider issue. The school community would also need stronger safeguarding measures, reporting systems and support for learners who may be vulnerable to exploitation or abuse.
Parents Asked to Stay Involved
Parents have also been urged to play a more active role in keeping their children in school.
School officials called on parents to pay fees on time where required, as prolonged absenteeism can increase the chances of learners falling behind or disengaging from education.
Parents have also been encouraged to maintain open communication with their children and provide guidance as they navigate adolescence.
What This Means for Learners and Families
For families in the area, the situation goes beyond school attendance.
When a learner becomes pregnant or drops out, her education can be interrupted, while early motherhood can create additional financial, social and emotional challenges.
The immediate priority is therefore to protect learners, ensure that allegations involving adults are properly investigated and help affected girls remain connected to education wherever possible.
Parents, schools, community leaders and authorities all have a role to play in identifying risks early and ensuring that children have safe environments both inside and outside school.
Authorities Promise Action
Police and local administrators say they are working to establish the circumstances surrounding each case and identify those allegedly responsible.
The investigations are expected to determine whether offences were committed and establish the circumstances behind the reported pregnancies.
Authorities have urged the community to cooperate with investigators and provide relevant information.
The developments at Bakisa Secondary School have also renewed the wider conversation around child protection, school safety and the need to prevent circumstances that push learners out of education.
Every learner deserves the chance to grow up safely and complete their education protecting that opportunity requires parents, schools, communities and authorities to act before vulnerable children are pushed out of the classroom.
