Children officers in Rongai Sub County have raised concerns over the increasing cases of child abuse and teenage pregnancies.

Rongai Sub county Children Officer Beatrice Mandieka revealed that between January 2020 to May 2020 there 520 cases of teenage pregnancies were reported.

She attributed these cases to lack of parental guidance occasioned by domestic violence that makes children vulnerable.

The officer also revealed that most perpetrators of the cases reported are people well known to the children.

“As per the data, 520 cases of teenage pregnancies were reported between January and May 2020.Most girls in this area lack guidance as parents are engaging in domestic violence leaving children vulnerable” she said.

With the rising harsh economic times in society, the officer noted that if parents will continue neglecting their children, then they will end up engaging in unlawful activities.

She urged the parents to continue playing their parental roles and ensure their children are getting quality education as well as other basic needs as enshrined in the constitution.

“Parents should take their responsibility and ensure basic needs are provided. If they fail to do so the children will look out for favors that might land them into sexual abuse” she said.

Public health officials and women’s rights advocates worry that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is delaying an adequate response to a growing sexual reproductive health crisis.

The World Health Organization reports that complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for 15- to 19-year-old girls and women globally — 99% of those deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Further, teenagers who give birth often face higher rates of poverty and domestic violence later in life due to misogynistic cultural norms and threadbare social safety nets.

There is a need for concerted effort in ensuring equal education opportunities for all children including those with special needs in society.

Special Needs Education Expert Anne Njeri says the society has been reluctant when it comes to children with special needs.

She was speaking over the weekend at 1^st Baptist Church Children Development Centre in Lower Solai, Rongai Sub county during a thanksgiving ceremony for less fortunate children who excelled in their 2020 KCSE and KCPE.

The Children are under sponsorship of Compassion International Kenya Charity Group.

Ms Njeri called on parents, the government and the society at large to end the stigma around children with special needs.

“We need to give equal opportunity to all our children including those with special needs. Parents with special needs children should not hide but come out so that the children can be assisted” she said.

The Centre had 33 candidates in 2020 KCSE from the project and 5 among them managed direct entry to University.

Compassion International Project Director Jemely Kurgat on her part called on the community to continue supporting the project that will see many less fortunate children achieve through quality education.

“Our challenge has been the community’s willingness to support the project. We call on the society to join efforts in supporting the project” she said.

Sentiments echoed by the patron of the Centre Pastor Stephen Tirop.

During the event Grade 4, Class 8 and Form 4s were feted for their good performance in their examinations.

The ceremony was also attended by Children officer Rongai Sub county Beatrice Mandieka, Rongai Sub county Administrator Reuben Yatich,the duo reiterating the importance of education for all.

The United Democratic Alliance party has so far registered over 100,000 members in Nakuru County in the ongoing nationwide recruitment drive.

Nationally, the party has registered more than 2.8 million and 1.5 million members in the Rift Valley region to bolster its power ahead of the 2022 polls.

Aspirants planning to vie for various seats through UDA ticket are ensuring their supporters register ahead of party primaries later next year.

“We are also capitalizing on market days and other social gatherings to popularize the party and campaign for our 2022 candidates,” said a data entry officer who sought anonymity.

The Deputy President Dr William Ruto-linked party has made inroads in Nakuru County in an attempt to chart a different political path away from Jubilee, a party he helped put together.

The party has been testing its popularity in the county in the run-up to the 2022 polls and go to the extremes of fielding candidates in nearly all by-elections across the country.

Recently in Nakuru, the party won the London Ward by-election where flag bearer Antony Nzuki floored Jubilee’s Francis Njoroge, spelling doom for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party.