Boda bodas rider in Migori County have launched a campaign to fight teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
According to Nation Media ,The
operators, for long have been blamed for luring teenagers into sex,
now promise to be on the forefront in ensuring all the girls in the
region are protected from sex pests and remain in school.
At a sensitisation forum in Migori Town, which brought together
the riders, police and education officials, the motorbike taxi operators
resolved to form a team that will police members who prey on girls.
"We
have taken the decision to join hands with others and stop this menace
for the sake of the region," Mr Edward Nandi, the chairperson of Migori
Boda Boda Association, said.
Migori has a high rate of teen pregnancies.
According to Kuria culture, circumcised girls, who may be as young as 10, are sexually mature and ready for marriage.
"After
the cut, many riders go for the girls and end up making them pregnant,"
Mr Gregory Rioba, a children's rights activist in Kuria West said.
County Children’s officer John Odinya said apart from the riders, gold diggers have also been known to prey on girls.
“The riders use the proceeds to dupe the girls into sex,” Mr Odinya said.
He welcomed the campaign, terming it a step in the right direction.
“It
is good to note that the riders have realised the problem and decided
to be part of the solution. They should be supported by the community
and anyone who cares about education,” he said.
Migori has a high rate of teen pregnancies.
