Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary (PS) Stephen Isaboke on Friday, February 13 reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive education and grassroots empowerment during a community event at Sugubo Secondary School in Bobasi Constituency, Kisii County.
The programme, hosted by Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Aburi, brought together national and local leaders to address teenage pregnancy, school reintegration, and community support initiatives.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who was the chief guest, directed education officials in Kisii to ensure that 200 teenage mothers who had dropped out of school return to class without delay.
“It is really very sad that today we have met 200 girls from Kisii County facing challenges due to early pregnancies while in school, and we are saying this is unacceptable,” said PS Bitok. “No child under 18 should be at home while others are learning. We must work together to ensure they are back in school immediately.”
He called on teachers, parents, religious leaders and National Government Administrative Officers to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education to safeguard learners and prevent cases of teenage pregnancy.
PS Isaboke lauded the initiative, saying education remains the most powerful equaliser in society. “When we return these young girls to school, we are not just restoring their education; we are restoring their dignity and future,” he said. “This is in line with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to uplift vulnerable communities and ensure no one is left behind.”
He further highlighted ongoing investments under the Digital Superhighway programme in Kisii County. “We are rolling out digital hubs and planning a Centre of Excellence in Gucha South to ensure our youth are equipped with digital skills. The future is digital, and our young people must be part of that generation,” Isaboke affirmed.
Woman Representative Dorice Aburi said her office had taken deliberate steps to identify and support the affected girls after learning of their desire to resume their studies. “Most of these girls want to go back to school and complete their education. As leaders, we cannot turn away from them,” she said, while also calling for firm action against individuals responsible for defilement and teenage pregnancies.
During the event, the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency donated twelve 10,000-litre water storage tanks to schools under its Water Harvesting Programme. Community members also received sanitary towels, wheelchairs, umbrellas for small-scale traders, Hass avocado seedlings and goats to strengthen household livelihoods.
The delegation later proceeded to Saino Secondary School in Kuresoi North, where newly constructed classrooms and an administration block were commissioned to support Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) learners, reinforcing the Government’s continued investment in inclusive and quality education.
