Kericho: Cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and teenage pregnancies are on the rise in Kericho County.

According to Kenya News Agency, County Commissioner (CC) Gilbert Kitiyo highlighted the increasing number of teenage pregnancies during a National Government Development County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee Meeting (NGD-CICMC). Kitiyo emphasized the need for enhanced public sensitization to combat this issue.

Kitiyo explained that efforts by National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to address the problem through community meetings and legal action against perpetrators are frequently obstructed by secrecy within family meetings. In many instances, families collude with perpetrators, resulting in illegal arbitration that circumvents the legal process. The Commissioner pointed out that complainants often do not appear in court, allowing offenders to evade prosecution.

The meeting, attended by National Government County Heads of Departments, also discussed an upcoming major gathering aimed at tackling the Triple Threat of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancies, and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Kitiyo called on community elders and leaders to educate the Kipsigis community on the negative impacts of these issues.

Kitiyo stressed the importance of guiding youth to maintain progress in the fight against FGM, HIV/AIDS, and early pregnancies. He also urged public servants to diligently fulfill their duties and effectively communicate government initiatives, such as the SHA/SHIF, Social Protection Funds, and Affordable Housing Programmes, to the public.

The Commissioner encouraged officers to implement government policies and disseminate information through public meetings, emphasizing ownership and communication of national government programs to ensure successful outcomes.