National examinations are ongoing across the country as KCSE enters its 8th day since its kick off last last. However, the number of teenage pregnancies witnessed amid the exams are worrying. Have you seen the number of candidates sitting for exams either while pregnant, or from hospitals after giving birth?
The government has hence blamed the parents for the pregnancies, arguing that they had failed on their responsibilities.
Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed once said that the government was planning to come up with a policy that will help curb teenage pregnancies.
However, the candidates who have given birth have been allowed to sit for their exams, some from hospitals while others are allowed to go home and attend to their kids as they revise for the exams at the same time.
However, this has instilled worries among the parents who fear that the responsibilities teen mothers are having can cost their performance.
As a result of this, the parents of a teenage mother have petitioned the High Court seeking to have Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) set and administer supplementary national examinations for pregnant candidates.
Their daughter is sitting KCSE exams after delivering at Mwala Level 4 Hospital on November 3. The parents said the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development should develop age appropriate and comprehensive programmes and curricula on sexual and reproductive health for primary and secondary schools.
The girl’s mother, in an affidavit, said she is having a difficult time adjusting.
“In the evening after school, she has to clean the baby and the baby’s clothes. She also has to breastfeed her and by the time she is done, she is physically and mentally exhausted,” she said.
“She does not have the luxury of studying for the next day’s papers like her classmates.”
Do you think the government should adhere to the petition and organise for some special exams for pregnant candidates?