Teenage pregnancy has quietly but steadily become one of the most urgent challenges facing Mukuru and its surrounding communities. What was once spoken about in hushed tones is now impossible to ignore. The numbers are rising, and behind each statistic is a young girl whose future hangs in the balance.

*A bold message on display about Kenyan Law on Defilement*

At Ruben Centre, this reality calls us to action, guided by our core values of Presence, Compassion, and Liberation. We choose to remain present within the community, to walk alongside families and young people, to listen, and to respond with care and urgency. We are driven by compassion to protect the dignity of every child, and by a commitment to liberation that seeks to create safer spaces where every girl can thrive free from harm.

Across our programs, a unified response has taken shape. From the conversations on our community radio to the engagement at Salama Youth Hub, and through our advocacy and education departments, efforts have intensified to address the issue from multiple angles. Children, parents, and teachers are all being reached, because safeguarding is a shared responsibility.

*Building awareness through powerful messages*

Our approach intentionally combines both soft and hard advocacy to ensure lasting impact. Through soft advocacy, we are engaging the community in conversations that influence attitudes, build awareness, and shift harmful social norms. This includes community dialogues, radio programs, trainings, and storytelling that encourage families to prioritize the safety, education, and wellbeing of children. These efforts are calm, educational, and relationship-based, helping the community understand why change is necessary.

At the same time, we are strengthening hard advocacy by emphasizing accountability and the enforcement of the law. We are working closely with local authorities, including police and community leaders, to ensure that cases are reported, followed up, and addressed. The message is clear and firm: defilement is a crime, and perpetrators must face the full force of the law. This dual approach ensures that while we are shaping mindsets, we are also demanding justice.

*Sensitization session on teenage pregnancy*

Safeguarding remains at the heart of our interventions. Every child has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation. Through continuous community trainings, we are strengthening awareness on child protection, sexual and gender-based violence, wellness, mentorship, and guidance and counselling. These spaces are not only informative but transformative, helping the community understand their role in creating a protective environment for children.

A critical message that continues to guide our sensitization is this: any child below the age of 18 years cannot give consent. This is not only a moral truth but also a legal one. Any sexual involvement with a minor is defilement and is punishable by law. This clarity is essential in addressing harmful misconceptions that continue to put young girls at risk.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains deeply concerning. Reports from Reuben Police Post indicate that, on average, three cases related to teenage pregnancy are reported daily. Within our own antenatal care clinic, ten teenage pregnancies have already been recorded this year. These are not just numbers; they represent interrupted dreams, lost opportunities, and in many cases, deep trauma.

*An officer from Ruben Police Station signing a pledge*

Even more troubling is the reality that some of these cases involve individuals who are expected to protect these children, including parents and guardians. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen both community awareness and accountability.

In response, the Advocacy Department has taken a bold step to address the legal dimension of this crisis. By working closely with national government officers and community leadership structures, efforts are now focused on reinforcing the legal consequences of defilement and ensuring justice for survivors. Community sensitization forums are now placing greater emphasis on legal awareness so that every member of the community understands the seriousness of these offenses.

Last weeks sensitization carried a strong and clear message to the community under the slogan, Defilement ni Ngori. It is both a call to change mindsets and a call to action. A call to protect our children, and a call to speak out against abuse.

This is not a one-time effort; it is a continuing journey. A journey that demands courage, consistency, and collaboration. At Ruben Centre, we remain committed to walking with the community, strengthening safeguarding systems, and restoring hope for every child.

Because protecting our girls is not optional. It is urgent, it is necessary, and it is a responsibility we must all carry together.

By: Benson Kagwima

Confronting the Silent Pandemic in Mukuru