Arid and semi-arid Kajiado County in southern Kenya is experiencing one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Kenya.

According to data released by Kajiado County Joseph ole Lenku show that over 2,000 girls aged between 10 and 19 years were impregnated in the past three months between February and May this year.

However, the upsurge follows a trend of the past two decades that has seen Kajiado County and Kilifi County at the coast share unflattering data of high pregnancy incidence.

The statistics, compiled by the County Department of Health, show that girls aged between 10 and 19 years became pregnant during the period, a trend the governor described as alarming and a threat to the future of the girl-child.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting Lenku warned that the surge in early pregnancies is not only a health concern but a serious legal matter. He emphasised that impregnating a girl below the age of 18 constitutes defilement and cautioned that perpetrators will face the full force of the law.

“The statistics are alarming. Impregnating a girl below the age of 18 years is defilement and those responsible should face the full force of the law,” he declared.

Lenku further noted that the situation has placed a heavy social and economic burden on the community. He observed that many elderly parents are now being forced to shoulder the responsibility of raising grandchildren, a scenario he termed as straining for households already struggling with economic hardships.

The governor called for a multi-agency approach to address the crisis, urging parents, teachers, the church, community leaders, national government administrators and health workers to join hands in providing mentorship and guidance to the youth.

He emphasised the need for collective responsibility to ensure that girls remain in school and are shielded from exploitation and abuse.

“The fight against teenage pregnancies is a collective responsibility. We must act now to protect the future of our girls through guidance, education, mentorship, and access to proper reproductive health information,” Lenku said.

The governor challenged local politicians and community leaders to be at the forefront in the fight against the vice, urging them to prioritize the lives of children over political prominence. He urged the leaders to speak boldly against the crisis and stop fearing that taking a firm stand against perpetrators would cost them votes in future elections.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Rop Janet