School dropout rates in Uasin Gishu County among school going girls has skyrocketed due to child defilement in the name of increased poverty levels.
Speaking from her office on Monday, Maendeleo Ya Wanawake (MYWO) Uasin Gishu County chairlady Anne Kibet said that a recent research conducted by the organisation shows that 8-12-year-olds are the most affected.
“130 cases have been reported on defilement of minors by adults. In most cases their teachers lead to them dropping out of school. Some culprits have been brought to book pending thorough investigations,” she said.
She blamed parents of the affected children for always staying mum after being compromised with a few coins by the culprits that have defiled their daughters. She warned such parents that their days are numbered since they will be arrested and brought to book for colluding with culprits.
“We have received reports of parents being given up to Sh10,000 to keep quite. We are coming for you sooner or later since you are denying the child’s right to education and both of you are criminals. Can that amount buy the time wasted for your daughter?” she posed.
She reiterated that the rights of the girl child to education are paramount and must be respected and anyone violating them in the name of fighting poverty will be arrested and prosecuted.
“I give a warning to teachers who use their position to defile their students/pupils. They will be shown the door since they are infringing on children’s rights,” she said.
She advised parents to always be free with their daughters since this is the only way that will help them know if they have any problem at hand thus it will be easy for them to share their problems.
Kibet also warned parents who still practice Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) saying that that they will be arrested.