652 pregnant candidates sat KCSE in hospital – KBC

A total of 652 female candidates sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination – KCSE in hospitals after delivery.

The counties that had the highest number of candidates who sat their examination in hospitals after delivery included Bungoma (43), Meru (38), Nakuru (36), Kisii (36) and Nandi (31).

The number of cases of candidates sitting the examinations upon delivery went up in 2020 as compared to 2019 where there were 282 female candidates.

The counties with the highest prevalence in 2019 included Bungoma (17), Kakamega (16), Meru (16) and Makueni (16).

Education Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Education Prof. George Magoha attributed the increase in numbers to the long school closure due to COVID-19 noting that it may have driven learners into many temptations at a time most households were facing enormous challenges.

“As a Ministry, we will work with all the relevant Government departments to ensure that we focus on the worst hit counties to address the root cause of this perennial problem of teenage pregnancies,” said Magoha.

Adding that: “We will do this knowing only too well that addressing this menace requires a multi-sectoral approach.”

He urged parents and guardians to offer support to girl child and particularly called for greater support and protection for learners who sat the 2020 KCPE Examination and are expected to remain at home until July 26, 2021 when they will join Form One.

“These learners require close supervision and guidance to protect them from the many temptations that come from evil men who sexually prey on them,” said the CS.