Many students were reported pregnant, others giving birth while the KCPE and KCSE exams were ongoing.
Since the gestation period for human beings is nine months, it is likely that a student giving birth during the month of examination (October and November) conceived between December and February.
For those conceiving in December, the reason can be demystified. It is the holiday season. Children are in celebration mood and thanks to the new rules by KNEC; they neither have homework nor tuition.
Like the biblical Israelites, they simply eat, drink and rise up to play. Thanks to the digital era, these kids will spend their future on Whatsapp, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Television.
What they are seeing or hearing, trust me it is emotive. Who doesn’t want to feel good? After the theory, the next step it is practical. It is impractical that all these kids conceived during the December holidays.
Some conceive after schools have opened in January. How some end up giving birth on October is still a mystery. Would it be a fear of the police? The sight of a policeman with a gun can send an expectant 13-year-old kid to instant labour pain.
The way our exams are lately conducted has a similitude to military operations. Talking tough won’t help. Had we a means to CCTV monitor these kids, perhaps it would have assisted.
Maybe we start educating them right as parents. Teach them to defend themselves against sexual predators.