By Gerald Mukembu
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has issued a stern warning to men exploiting and impregnating teenage girls, raising alarm over the increasing number of young female learners taking their exams in hospitals due to pregnancy.
Expressing deep concern, Kipsang noted a rise in the number of girls sitting for their exams under such circumstances compared to previous years, describing it as a serious indictment on society.
“We have a collective responsibility to protect these children. In most cases, the perpetrators are not school boys; rather, the majority of these girls are victimized by adult men. Out of every 100 girls, perhaps only five may be pregnant from their classmates, while the rest are affected by older men,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding vulnerable girls, allowing them the chance to fulfill their potential without the burden of early family responsibilities or disruptive exam conditions.
Kipsang urged that men must recognize the vital role they play in securing the future of young girls, who he referred to as the “future investments” of the society.
“We must create an environment where our children can thrive. If anyone compromises their education, they become an enemy to their future,” he cautioned during his visit to open the exam container at the Meru County Commissioner’s grounds.
In addition to addressing the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy, Kipsang outlined the ministry’s preparations for the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), announcing that guidelines for learner placements in senior secondary schools will be ready for the first cohort expected to enroll in January 2026.
“Eleven bills will be presented to Parliament to mainstream this process, as we also finalize the construction of 11,000 classrooms and the recruitment of 20,000 new teachers,” he explained.
Kipsang further acknowledged the cooperative efforts of stakeholders involved in examination monitoring, highlighting that Meru County has faced minimal challenges or malpractices during this year’s examinations.
“We have encountered a few attempts from private centers trying to bypass regulations, but overall, I can confidently say we have conducted a clean exam process this year. We plan to conclude the examination procedures by November 22, after which marking will commence,” he shared.
Kipsang assured that the ministry, along with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), does not intend to penalize entire schools or exam centers for the actions of isolated individuals.
“If exam papers are tampered with, it is the responsible parties who will face the consequences,” he added, crediting the Ministry of ICT for its efforts in tackling cybercrime.
Kipsang revealed that MPs have received a conditional grant of Sh4 billion for classroom construction through the constituency development fund (CDF), which they are encouraged to match.
“Our goal is to construct an additional 18,000 classrooms by the end of January next year. We are committed to implementing the CBC, marking a significant shift in our educational system from preschool through senior secondary school. A national needs assessment has shaped our approach to ensure our children not only acquire knowledge but also gain essential skills and competencies,” he stated.
As preparations for Junior School conclude, the ministry is setting its sights on the final phase of the CBC rollout, which is set to begin in 2026.
