65,540 teen pregnancies in Busia prompt KEWOSA intervention
The dialogue ended with a unanimous call for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tackle the root causes of HIV, adolescent pregnancies, and gender-based violence.
A surge in HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) prompted the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) to take decisive action in Busia County.
KEWOSA, led by Senator Veronica Maina, launched a broad campaign on Monday to raise awareness, support students, and mobilise local leaders to address the growing crisis. During the Senate Mashinani initiative, the senators split into two teams to cover more ground.
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They started by engaging directly with students at St. James Kwang’amor Secondary School and St. James Nasewa School, discussing reproductive health, personal safety, and legal protections, before convening a crucial multi-sectoral dialogue involving county officials, national representatives, religious leaders, teenage mothers, and community influencers.
Senator Veronica Maina highlighted alarming statistics underscoring the severity of the problem.
New HIV infections among adolescents aged 10 to 19 increased from 120 in 2019 to 135 in 2024, with approximately 2,400 young people currently living with HIV in Busia.
Teenage pregnancies remain high, with 65,540 cases recorded between 2016 and 2024, accounting for 28 per cent of all first antenatal care visits.
Sexual and gender-based violence among adolescents surged from 66 cases in 2016 to 480 in 2024, with 171 pregnancies linked to defilement.
“These numbers paint a worrying picture,” Senator Veronica said, adding that 69.3 per cent of Busia residents live below the poverty line. This factor increases the risks of exploitation and school dropouts.
KEWOSA took practical steps to support learners, distributing menstrual hygiene kits to girls and boxer shorts to boys to promote dignity, health, and school attendance.
Senator Maina also reminded students of their legal rights under the Sexual Offences Act (2006), which criminalises sexual activity with minors and prescribes severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
In the afternoon, the senators hosted a multi-stakeholder meeting at PCEA Church in Busia Town, bringing together county officials, the police, the Judiciary, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, teenage mothers, religious leaders, and boda boda associations.
The dialogue ended with a unanimous call for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tackle the root causes of HIV, adolescent pregnancies, and gender-based violence.
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