Teen Pregnancies in Kakamega Drop as County Steps Up Efforts

By Strilus Bellbut

Teenage pregnancies in Kakamega County have significantly decreased, dropping from 14,000 in previous years to 9,000 as of 2024. 

This progress has been attributed to initiatives spearheaded by Kakamega County’s First Lady, Janet Kassily Barasa. 

Speaking during a mentorship program for teen mothers reintegrated into schools, the First Lady highlighted the steps taken to combat the issue and the importance of continued support.

One of the key milestones in the fight against teenage pregnancies was the recent launch of the Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Act on Friday, November 29. This legislation aims to not only reduce SGBV cases but also provide mechanisms to support survivors. 

Prof Janet Kasili first Lady Kakamega County together with teenage mothers during the mentorship program 

“We need to understand how to help those already affected and ensure justice for the victims,” emphasized Dr. Kassily.

The First Lady attributed the rise in teenage pregnancies to predisposing factors such as poverty and, specifically, period poverty. She noted that some young girls seek alternative means to access sanitary towels, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, she pointed out the erosion of family values as a contributing factor. 

“The way children are being brought up now is not the same as how we were brought up. We’ve lost the values that once kept our families strong,” she lamented.

Dr. Kassily also decried the lack of justice for victims of teenage pregnancies, many of whom were defiled or raped. 

“Unfortunately, those who commit these crimes are rarely held accountable, and this allows the cycle to continue,” she said. 

She criticized the use of kangaroo courts within communities, which prioritize family reputation over justice. “When communities and families resolve cases informally, it denies victims the justice they deserve. Most of these acts are committed by people close to the victims, yet they are shielded by the same families.”

To address these challenges, the First Lady has called for institutional support to enhance her office’s ability to deliver on its mandate. She urged the county governments, through their respective assemblies, to amend laws to provide budgets for the offices of First Ladies. 

These funds would be directed toward solving issues such as early pregnancies and helping school dropouts return to class.

“If we can have agenda-sensitive budgets, we’ll be able to take care of the vulnerable in our community—the teen mothers, women, widows, and youth—and tackle many challenges head-on,” she explained.

The First Lady commended organizations that have partnered with her office to support these initiatives, including Too Pressed to Wait, USAID, and other non-governmental organizations. 

“Since 2022, through collaboration with these partners, we’ve seen a significant reduction in early pregnancies—from 14,000 to 9,000. This is progress, and Kakamega County is no longer in the red as it once was,” she said, expressing optimism for continued success.

Her efforts are part of a larger collaboration among First Ladies in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, who work together to address issues affecting vulnerable communities.

“As First Ladies, we rely on advocacy and word of mouth to drive change. Each one of us is doing something in our respective counties to fight teenage pregnancies, even without budgets,” she remarked.

Public relations strategist Vallerie Khamati of Resolve Communications emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing the crisis. 

Public relations strategist Vallerie Khamati of Resolve Communications

“At Resolve Communications, we are passionate about connecting communities to solutions. In Kakamega, we’re identifying partners already making an impact to amplify efforts in fighting this disaster,” she said. 

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, Kakamega was previously ranked third in teenage pregnancies nationwide, which motivated the initial rollout of interventions in the county.

Khamati praised the First Lady’s dedication, stating, “We chose to launch this program in Kakamega because First Lady Janet Kassily has demonstrated unmatched passion and commitment to this cause—not only as an educator and mother but also as a leader.”

Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission representative Robert Waweru called on county governments to uphold their constitutional mandate to protect children. 

“Teen pregnancies violate children’s rights, and county governments must act decisively to end this crisis,” he said. 

Waweru further highlighted the lack of sexual education and youth-friendly health services as key contributors to the problem.

The mentorship program in Kakamega Town served as a rallying point for stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to addressing teenage pregnancies and supporting teen mothers. It also underscored the urgent need for resources and cooperation to sustain the progress already achieved.