A surge in teenage pregnancies in Bungoma County has sparked concerns, with parents coming under fire for their perceived role in the crisis.
The trend has been linked to children being involved in night time market activities, particularly at Dina and Weighbridge markets in Webuye suburbs where they face heightened risks of exploitation and harm.
Addressing parents in Webuye, Bungoma County Government Director of Education Eunice Ambwenya, voiced her alarm after witnessing children as young as school-going age working in the markets late into the night.
Ambwenya warned that such conditions expose minors to dangers, including early pregnancies, and urged parents to take greater responsibility in safeguarding their children’s futures.
The event, organized by Action for Empowerment Kenya, also served as a platform to support students with food donations. The organization’s representative, Danstone Ilavonga, encouraged scholarship beneficiaries to prioritize their studies, reminding them that hard work is crucial for maintaining sponsorships from NGOs and government programs.
Currently, over 150 students in Webuye are beneficiaries of the initiative.
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Imbwenya further emphasized the importance of parental discipline at home, urging families to create environments that encourage academic focus and discourage risky behaviors.
The calls to action highlight an urgent need for collective efforts between parents, educators, and community organizations to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies and ensure children remain on track for a brighter future.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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