Governor Lusaka denies calling for ban of pregnant girls from schools

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has spoken further on his earlier statement on banning pregnant girls from resuming studies in schools.

This is after his comments drew backlash from leaders and Kenyans on social media. 

Lusaka was quoted as saying that barring their resumption of school would help the rest be “careful and responsible.”

Speaking on Tuesday at Lugulu Girls High School in Bungoma County, the governor said he was merely giving an example of how getting pregnant in school was viewed as a taboo.

“I did not say that those girls, early girls who have gotten pregnant should be banned from schools. I gave an example, I said during our time if you got pregnant in fact it was a taboo to get pregnant and if you got pregnant you even fear to go to school you would just discontinue yourself and disappear,” Lusaka said.

“I wanted to correct that. I did not say that in any case, the law protects those girls. It protects both guys, it protects the boys and girls so there’s nobody that can ban them from going.”

Leaders from Bungoma County led by Governor Lusaka held a meeting with other education stakeholders to discuss education matters and the prevalence of teen pregnancies in the county.

He urged members of parliament to look into legislation that could help curb this issue.

“The members of parliament I want to ask you because I was told the recommendations we have made here about testing girls in school, I’m told it has been outlawed. It’s illegal. So maybe if it was helping maybe now we need to look at you go back to senate and national assembly and see if that law assisted us if that law can be brought back,” Lusaka said.

“It will be easier to identify girls when they come to school those who are expectant and those who are not expectant because the law is not cast in stone it can be reviewed as and when the need arises.”

Among the leaders who faulted the Bungoma governor’s message include Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa.

“It would interest the governor to know that being given the privilege of staying in school gives these girls a chance to get a good career, teaches them responsibility and keeps them from being isolated and doing things that could be potentially harmful to them and the baby,” Jumwa said in a statement on Monday.

“The proposal to ban pregnant teens from continuing their education raises alarming issues concerning the infringement of their fundamental rights, particularly the right to education, under the guise of encouraging others to be 'careful and responsible.' It is not only regressive and chauvinistic, but also impedes the overall strides made toward gender inclusion and equity,” WOBN said in a statement on Wednesday.

It further urged policymakers to instead address the socioeconomic factors contributing to teenage pregnancies and look to support the girls who have fallen victim.