Kirinyaga County Commissioner Shufaa Omar Mwijuma has raised concern over child abuse and teenage pregnancies in the county revealing that 174 children have been defiled or subjected to other forms of abuse.
Data from the Children's Office shows that about 174 children have suffered abuse, a figure the commissioner described as worrying.
Mwijuma also disclosed that teenage pregnancies in Kirinyaga stand at 15% calling on parents, community leaders and security agencies to work together to address the problem.
She made the remarks on Thursday, November 12, 2026 during a Rapid Results Initiative meeting in Mjini, Kutus where she challenged parents to take greater responsibility for their children's safety and upbringing.
PARENTS WARNED OVER CHILD NEGLECT
The commissioner attributed some of the child abuse cases to parental negligence urging parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children's lives.
She challenged parents to know where their children are, who they associate with and how they spend their time warning that a lack of proper guidance could expose them to abuse and other social challenges.
"A child left on their own is left to the world and the world is not a good teacher," Mwijuma said.
She further identified unstable family environments, frequent conflicts between parents and a lack of emotional support as factors exposing young people to drug and alcohol abuse.
The commissioner urged parents to create safe environments where children can freely discuss their challenges, express their concerns and seek guidance.
She said parenting should go beyond reprimanding children, stressing the need for parents to listen, understand and support them as they grow.
Mwijuma also called on security agencies to ensure all reported child abuse cases are thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable.
TEENAGE PREGNANCIES RAISE CONCERN
The 15% teenage pregnancy figure adds to growing concerns about the welfare of young people in Kirinyaga.
In July 2026, members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly raised similar concerns citing health sector figures showing that 540 adolescent pregnancies had been recorded in the first three months of the year.
The cases represented 15.3% of pregnant women seeking antenatal care during that period.
The figures highlight the need for stronger cooperation between parents, schools, healthcare providers, religious institutions and government agencies to address teenage pregnancies and protect young people.
POLICE CALL FOR STRONGER COMMUNITY POLICING
The meeting also addressed insecurity and drug-related activities with Kirinyaga County Police Commander Anderson Njagi calling on residents to strengthen community policing and Nyumba Kumi structures.
Njagi said cooperation between residents and security agencies was important in identifying suspicious activities and tackling crime.
"We depend on you and that is why we came up with the concept of community policing," he said.
He urged residents to actively participate in community security initiatives and share information with authorities through established structures.
"Let us empower Nyumba Kumi and community policing structures so we can make progress," Njagi added.
The police commander also encouraged young people to embrace technology, develop their skills and explore self-employment opportunities instead of turning to criminal activities.
AP COMMANDER URGES YOUTH TO EXPLORE BUSINESS
Kirinyaga County AP Commander Gladys Koskei also challenged young people not to view formal employment as their only route to financial independence.
She said entrepreneurship and other income-generating activities offered alternative opportunities particularly for young people struggling to secure jobs.
"Jobs are many; it doesn't mean you must have an office job or formal employment," Koskei said.
She urged young people not to lose hope because of unemployment reminding them that the decisions they make today could affect their future.
Koskei also appealed to residents to provide security agencies with information about individuals involved in selling and distributing illegal drugs.
She assured members of the public that their identities would be protected when sharing information to help authorities take action.
"Give us information on where these drugs are sold and who is selling them so we can act before they hit the market," she said.
CALL FOR JOINT ACTION
The concerns raised during the meeting point to the need for a coordinated approach to child protection, family support and community security.
The 174 reported child abuse cases and the teenage pregnancy figures have renewed attention on the challenges facing children and young people in Kirinyaga.
Parents have been urged to take a more active role in their children's lives while residents have been encouraged to work closely with security agencies to address drug-related activities and insecurity.
Mwijuma also wants reported abuse cases investigated and perpetrators held accountable.
As government agencies, parents and community leaders are challenged to act, the focus remains on creating safer homes and communities where children can grow up protected from abuse, exploitation and harmful influences.