Matungulu Sub-county has once again come under the spotlight following an alarming report by the Ministry of Health revealing a surge in teenage pregnancies among adolescent girls.
According to the report, 467 girls aged between 13 and 17 years in Matungulu Sub-county were reported to have become pregnant in 2024, sparking concern among education and health officials over the rising number of school dropouts linked to early pregnancies.
Speaking to journalists in her office, Matungulu Sub-county Director of Education, Lilian Gitahi, described the situation as alarming and warned that it threatens the government’s goal of achieving 100 percent school transition.
“Recently, we had a meeting with officers from the Ministry of Health, and it came to our attention that there has been a rampant increase in teenage pregnancies within our sub-county,” said Ms. Gitahi.
“In 2024 alone, 467 cases were reported which is quite alarming. This means our girls are getting distracted from school, leading to increased dropout rates. In some cases, it results in early marriages, while others suffer from stress, and for many, it sadly marks the end of their education.”She went on.
Gitahi expressed deep concern that the trend continues to derail efforts to keep learners in school, emphasizing that education remains a vital tool in empowering communities and shaping the nation’s future.
“When a girl child is empowered through education, the entire community is empowered,” she noted. “However, when they drop out at such an alarming rate, it becomes a call for urgent action from all stakeholders.”
Following the report, education and community leaders have been urged to collaborate in curbing teenage pregnancies, which continue to push many girls out of school and into early marriages.
“We need to educate young girls about the dangers of early pregnancy and caution them against relationships that could expose them to such risks, Parents, teachers, local leaders, and the entire community must work together to protect our girls and ensure they complete their education.” Gitahi added.
Gitahi also called on teachers to introduce empowerment programs and urged religious leaders to take an active role in sensitizing both boys and girls about responsible behavior.
The Sub-county Director further emphasized the importance of protecting children, calling for strict legal action against perpetrators of defilement to serve as a deterrent.
“These children are our future, and we all have a duty to protect them. Those who take advantage of our girls must be held accountable in court so that others can learn from the consequences,” she said.
The development comes just weeks after 2027 Kangundo Constituency MP aspirant Stella Nzembi, a community advocate for social welfare, called for urgent action to address the escalating cases of child defilement in Kangundo and neighboring sub-counties, including Matungulu.
