By Augustine Were
A section of Bungoma County leaders and education sector stakeholders have raised alarming concerns over the rising rates of HIV prevalence, early pregnancies, and sexual assault among the youth.
During a mentorship and career-choice event for over 500 high school students from the Tongaren constituency, these issues were highlighted as critical challenges affecting the region, which have been reported to be higher than the national averages.
The event, organized by the Hers Haven Initiative, took place at St. Augustine Girls High School Lukhuna, where key stakeholders called for immediate intervention. Dr. Caren Wanyonyi, the Director-General of the Bungoma County Special Planning Department, shared troubling statistics that show an increase in these cases from 2016 to 2025. Dr. Wanyonyi emphasized that poverty is a significant contributor to these rising rates and that the department is actively addressing the issue through targeted training programs in various secondary schools.
"Our data shows a worrying trend," Dr. Wanyonyi said. "We are seeing an increase in HIV infections, early pregnancies, and sexual violence in our county. The situation is worsening, and we have begun training programs in schools to tackle this problem head-on."
Echoing these concerns, Dr. Adelide Kituyi, a pediatrician from Kenyatta Hospital, called for stronger interventions from both the county and national government. She pointed to an alarming increase in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases in the region, from 55 cases in 2016 to a staggering 2,872 cases in 2023—a 52-fold increase.
"This increase is unacceptable," Dr. Kituyi stressed. "The numbers are deeply concerning, and we must take action to reverse this trend before more lives are affected."
The mentorship program, which has particularly benefitted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, has been pivotal in addressing the challenges these young individuals face. Leaders noted that lack of essential resources and support has led to a surge in early pregnancies among young girls, particularly in the areas of Tongaren, Kanduyi, and Mount Elgon, where these issues are most prevalent.
Students who participated in the event expressed their appreciation for the training, noting how valuable it was in helping them navigate their difficult circumstances. The training, they said, had opened their eyes to their potential and the importance of making informed decisions about their futures.
To enhance community engagement and tackle the root causes of these challenges, the Bungoma County Special Planning Department has introduced collaborative strategies involving local councils and chiefs to better engage with high school students and educational institutions.
Founder and CEO of hers haven initiative, Namalwa Chesoli emphasized the importance of continued education and support for the youth in Bungoma County. She also advocated for the integration of reproductive health education into the school curriculum to better prepare students to address issues such as early pregnancy, HIV infection, and sexual violence.
"As Hers Haven Initiative, we are committed to empowering teenagers to face the challenges in their lives and find solutions," Chesoli said. "We believe that comprehensive education on reproductive health and personal safety is critical to equipping young people with the tools they need to make informed decisions."
The event marked a significant step toward addressing the pressing concerns facing Bungoma County's youth. As the county moves forward, stakeholders continue to urge both the local and national governments to intensify efforts to combat these issues and create a safer, healthier environment for the region's young people.
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