Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, has urged parents to closely monitor their children during the long school holidays to prevent teenage pregnancies and drug abuse.

Speaking on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Ishiara, Mbeere North, Embu County, Muthoni raised concern over the growing cases of early pregnancies among schoolgirls across several counties. The festive season often exposes children to risky behaviour when parental supervision declines.

Her remarks come amid rising reports of teenage pregnancies during national examinations in parts of the country. In Kakamega County, 31 girls in Khwisero Sub-county were reported to be sitting for their exams while pregnant, while in Meru, 17 young mothers sat for the KPSEA exams at Nyambene Level 4 Hospital.

Earlier, the Siaya County Commissioner raised alarm over rising teenage pregnancies and HIV infections.

Health officials in both regions described the trend as worrying, warning that it undermines education and endangers the health of young girls.

Officials have appealed to parents, teachers, and religious leaders to work together to protect children from early pregnancies, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation.

Festive food safety urged

Muthoni also called on Kenyans to uphold food safety and hygiene during the festive season. She urged that all meat consumed should be properly inspected and certified fit for human consumption, warning that uninspected meat poses serious health risks, including foodborne diseases. She encouraged vigilance among both consumers and traders.

The PS further asked communities to maintain high hygiene standards by clearing overgrown grass and stagnant water to curb the spread of cholera and malaria. She encouraged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access quality and specialised healthcare when needed and warned against self-medication, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

Muthoni made the remarks during a development tour led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, where officials from various state agencies engaged traders and residents at Ishiara Market.