At least 311 Primary and Secondary school girls are pregnant in Tharaka Nithi County according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi.
Addressing the press at Ikuu Girls’ High School in Tharaka Nithi County on Wednesday after inspecting several schools, Dr Matiangi said officers from the Ministries of Interior and Education are tracing the girls to make sure that they report back to school.
He said teachers will take care of the girls while in school until the delivery period.
“Even the pregnant girls must continue with learning under the care of their teachers,” said Dr Matiangi.
The CS said even those who gave birth should be given a chance to pursue their academic prospects.
He said at least 97 percent of learners had reported back to school by Wednesday morning and directed officers from the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with school heads to launch a manhunt on those still at home.
He said the government is determined to ensure that all children have access to basic education.
The CS noted that at Kajiunduthi High School and Ikuu Girls’ High School, 84 and 45 students were missing respectively while in Kiereni Primary School, 12 pupils had also not reported back though there were reports that they had transferred to other schools.
The CS security team barred Journalists from accessing classes or filming of learners claiming that the reporters could spread the virus to the learners.
However, the media has since established that the real reason why journalists are being barred from filming learners is to avoid exposure of the congestion.
The CS 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.
