A non-governmental organization has raised concern over the high rate at which girls are dropping out of school due to defilement and early pregnancies in North Eastern.
Womankind Kenya’s Child officer Hassan Ismail said cases of sexual abuse and early pregnancies among school going children in the region are on the rise which is affecting their education.
Ismail said most cases of defilement and teenage pregnancies are not reported to the authorities for action to be taken.
The officer who was speaking at Garissa Rescue Centre said the few cases that are reported, the authorities are not quick in taking action adding that the culprits are always let off the hook under mysterious circumstances.
“It’s unfortunate that defilement and pregnancy amongst children are on the rise and most of the times, they are not reported and when it is reported police are always reluctant to pursue these cases,” he said.
“I challenge the government and security agencies to do more in protecting children rights; they are most vulnerable,” he added.
Mr Ismail urged key players in the education sector to come up with appropriate measures to curb the trend.
He further urged chiefs to be in the forefront in fighting this vice saying such cases occur under the watchful eyes of local administrators in the villages.