𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑵𝒛𝒐𝒊𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝑼𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 17% 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔

Trans Nzoia administration has launched a multi-pronged initiative to tackle a sharp 17% surge in early pregnancies among school-going girls, amid rising concern over school dropouts and declining academic performance.

 

The County Department of Education and Vocational Training has identified poverty, lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, and repeated school expulsions due to unpaid fees as key drivers of the crisis.

In response, the county is rolling out targeted interventions including financial support, mentorship programs, and the distribution of free sanitary pads.

 

“We are seeing a direct link between poverty and early pregnancies,” said County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Education Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama at Muungano Secondary School, where over 210 students recently received bursaries.

 

“When head teachers send students home repeatedly, especially in impoverished areas, many girls resort to transactional relationships to survive.”

 

The crisis has had a visible impact on academic outcomes. Ms. Mutama attributed the school’s poor performance last year to a high dropout rate among girls who became pregnant, as well as boys who were unable to afford fees.

 

Under Governor George Natembeya’s Ukombozi Elimu bursary program, thousands of vulnerable students are receiving financial aid to remain in school through Form Four.

The county is also partnering with local groups, including the Trans Nzoia Women Caucus, to develop community-based solutions.

 

A lack of menstrual hygiene products has also been identified as a contributing factor. “Some girls rely on boyfriends for pads, which often leads to exploitative relationships,” said Ms. Mutama.

To address this, the department has pledged to supply free sanitary pads to girls and boxers to boys to promote dignity and gender equity in schools.

 

A county-wide mentorship program is set to be launched in collaboration with school alumni, aimed at inspiring students to focus on their studies despite personal or socioeconomic challenges.

 

“We’ve seen this model work elsewhere,” Ms. Mutama said. “It’s time we bring it home to Trans Nzoia.”

Authorities are also conducting outreach campaigns in high-risk sub-counties such as Endebess, Kwanza, and Saboti, offering education on abstinence and the long-term benefits of academic perseverance.

In a call for justice, Ms. Mutama urged administrators and law enforcement to crack down on the perpetrators of early pregnancies.

 

“These men must be held accountable,” she said. “They should not only face legal consequences but also be compelled to support the children they father, while the girls return to school.”

She also highlighted the stigma faced by girls who resume classes after giving birth, saying it often impacts their academic performance.

 

“We must create a supportive environment for these girls. Education is their right, not a privilege,” she said.

 

Ms. Mutama further encouraged students to remain focused and avoid early sexual activity. “You are in school for a season and a reason. Success will give you the freedom to live your life on your terms. Don’t let early sexual engagement derail your future,” she said