All girls must go back to school, orders Matiang'i
What you need to know:
- Interior CS Fred Matiang'i says government is looking for 311 girls from Tharaka Nithi who are yet to report to school.
- He expressed confidence that the government is determined to achieve 100 per cent back-to-school in line with President Uhuru's directive.
- The CS urges for support for teachers who have a tough assignment of taking care of children during the Covid-19 era.
A total of 311 schoolgirls in Tharaka Nithi County are pregnant and have not reported back to school.
Speaking on Wednesday during an inspection of schools in the county on Covid-19 preparedness, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i said government is looking for the girls to bring them back to school.
He said though they are expectant, they will not be allowed to drop out of school.
The CS said teachers and other relevant government officials will take care of pregnant girls while in school awaiting date of delivery.
“There are 311 schoolgirls who are expectant and we are looking for them to bring them back to school,” said Dr Matiangi.
He said even those who have given birth are allowed back to school to continue with learning since the government’s target is to ensure that all children accomplish their education dreams.
Support teachers
The CS said by Wednesday morning, 97 per cent of learners had reported back to school and that they are determined to achieve 100 per cent in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive.
Dr Matiangi lauded teachers for their dedication in ensuring there is enough water for washing hands, learners observe social distance recommended by the Ministry of Health and remain with facemasks.
“Teachers have the hardest assignment of taking care of the children and should be supported by everybody,” he said.
The CS visited Ikuu Girls’ High School and Kiereni Primary School in Chuka/Igambang’ombe constituency and Kajiunduthi High School in Maara constituency.
He was accompanied by Eastern Region Commissioner Isaiah Naikoru, Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Ms Beverly Opwora and Tharaka Nithi County Government Education executive Ms Sheila Kiganka among others.
Meanwhile, a number of schoolgirls in the county have been subjected to Female genital mutilation (FGM) during the long holiday due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Ms Beverly, the practice is deep-rooted in some parts of Igambang’ombe, Tharaka North and Tharaka South sub-counties.
Speaking to journalists, Ms Opwora said the illegal cultural practice is practiced under the cover of darkness.
She, however, said her office is investigating cases rep[orted to them adding that those found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted. Ms Opwora, however, warned that chiefs and the assistants should take action and report those engaging in the practice.
Most notorious
Kathangacini area in Tharaka North Sub County has been highlighted as the most notorious where girls as young as 10-years have been circumcised. Uncircumcised women married in the community are not spared either, revealed the County Commissioner.
Ms Opwora has warned that those discriminating against the uncircumcised girls and women either by insulting or segregating them will face the full force of the law.
“It’s illegal to use words that describe a woman as uncircumcised or even discriminate her,” she said.
During last year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, Ms Opwora said a total of 311 teenage girls had been impregnated in the county during the pandemic period.
