Kwale politicians hinder the fight against teen pregnancies because they don't want to talk about the problem and prefer to paint a rosy picture of the county and themselves.
That's what activists said on Saturday.
Politicians' indifference — and outright obstruction — have been cited as problems leading to failed programs against early pregnancies in Kwale.
The county is known for its high rate of defilement, traditional settlements that avoid the criinal justice system, unwanted pregnancies and forced marriages. It's also known for sex tourism.
Sauti Ya Wanawake chairperson Mwanakombo Jarumani said the majority of leaders criticise activists who raise the alarm about pregnancies and forced marriages.
She spoke during a County Budget Cycle and Gender Mainstreaming forum in Ukunda
Activists usually become great enemies of the county and are alienated by some leaders, especially the ones whose wards are most affected by the problem, Jarumani said.
“People who frequently warn about early marriages and pregnancies are automatically turned into major rivals by people whose areas are directly affected,” she said.
Jarumani said politicians prefer individuals to remain silent on the issue of defilement and other sex issues, since they threaten their careers.
She said representatives often buy people’s silence and ask them to say only good things about the county.
“I was called for a public participation forum but before it started a ward briefed me on what to say,” Jarumani said.
The county thus is not fully engaged in fighting early pregnancies, she said.
The chairperson said no funds have been allocated to counter teen sex problems and MCAs have not even bothered to discuss the issues.
She said there is poor cooperation between county officials and NGOs, that stand strongly against defilement and demand justice, not traditional hush-hush payoffs and marriage.
Jarumani said that at political rallies leaders are only interested in campaigning for themselves and don't want to be seen to be neglecting important problems.
“In public gatherings, people opt not to speak about challenges that confront us and go for the usual agendas,” she said.
Equality Now consultant Rosemary Mbaluka said the county government needs to engage citizens in finding solutions to teen pregnancies and gender-based violence.
She said the county might have tried its best to curb immorality but hasn't involved enough stakeholders.
Last week, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya called upon young people to adopt education to nurture talent and reduce scandals of teen pregnancy and early marriage.
(Edited by V. Graham)
