IDPs’ woes linked to girls exploitation

By DANIEL PSIRMOI

Mt Elgon, Kenya: Twelve of 18 pupils said to be pregnant at Chepkurkur Primary School in Mt Elgon are already married, even as it emerged the IDPs problem could have contributed to rising cases.

Some fled to Uganda and Trans- Nzoia County after learning that members of the Provincial Administration were on their trail.

Two others, according to the deputy head teacher Winrose Kimtai,  had been married as second wives, and are back to their homes, after disagreeing with their supposed ‘husbands’.

They stay with their relatives far away from the area.The whereabouts of two other girls are unknown.

The relentless fight against marrying off school girls by the school head teacher Zakayo Ndiema and area assistant chief Samuel makan have made them receive threats from the offenders, some who are said to be boda boda operators.

Mr David Chemiat, a parent believes that underage girl and teenage pregnancy is prevalent in Cheptais District, especially in schools that are adjacent to Mt Elgon Forest in Chepyuk Phase Three Scheme that is in Emia Location.

He says most families in the area who were previously IDPs were recently resettled in the area and have not built decent houses.

“According to our Sabaot culture, you cannot share a house with your children after they reach a certain age.  If the Government builds us houses like other IDPs in the country, we shall be able to monitor our daughters’ nocturnal activities easily and they won’t be able to stray, if we stay under one roof,’’ he said.

Chemiat appealed to the Jubilee Government, especially through Deputy President William Ruto, who he singled out as one that understands the region’s problems, to come to their aid.

“Can they bring laptops here when class one to class four kids are learning under trees? When there is no electricity? he posed.