Machakos County Commissioner, Anne Gakuria has raised concern over the rising number of teenage girl pregnancies in the county.
The commissioner noted that many girls are dropping out of schools as a result of the pregnancies; a situation she warned might hinder development in the county if not checked.
“It is sad that most teenage girls who should be in school are at home nursing pregnancies,” she said.
The commissioner blamed parents and the church for failing to nurture young people in the right direction. “Parents have neglected their roles and have abandoned their children who are now venturing into crime and prostitution,” she warned.
The commissioner declared that a crackdown to get rid of twilight girls, who parade themselves in the towns across Machakos County, will be conducted soon.
“We want to get rid of prostitution in this county and ensure all girls are taken back to school,” she said.
She challenged parents to take their roles seriously and ensure their children are well brought up in order to become respectable members of the society.
Gakuria added that many of the people who are arrested in criminal activities are the youth.
The commissioner asked youths to take part in activities and businesses that will promote development and urged them to applying for government funds.