Rising cases of teenage pregnancies and early marriages in Amudat District have been linked to the annual cultural courtship dance (Lopeikiret), with authorities warning that the cultural practice is exposing girls aged 13 to 18 to early sexual activity and forced marriages.
District leaders and health workers say the dance, held between October and December among the Pokot community, attracts large numbers of adolescents, where boys identify potential brides, often leading to relationships that result in teenage pregnancies.
Health workers at Kosike Health Centre III say the impact of last year’s events is now being seen in increased antenatal attendance among teenage girls.
Cathy Juliet Aloko, the Clinical Officer in charge of the facility, says there has been a sharp rise in teenagers seeking antenatal services since February this year.
She explains that most pregnancies occur during the October–December period when the dances are held, with cases only becoming visible months later when the girls begin attending antenatal clinics.
Aloko also cites a case of a 14-year-old girl from Kosike Village who delivered a premature baby and is still under monthly medical monitoring due to a lack of parenting preparedness.
Authorities have urged stronger advocacy and intervention to address the trend, which they say is becoming increasingly difficult to control.
By URN
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