Kilifi teacher sentenced to 10 years for attempted sexual abuse of pupil

A primary school teacher in Kilifi County, Kenya, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the attempted sexual abuse of a pupil. The sentencing, delivered by Senior Resident Magistrate Ivy Wasike, followed evidence that the teacher had written a love letter to the underage student and subsequently lured her to a bush to attempt sexual intercourse.

The case was brought to light after another teacher overheard students discussing the inappropriate relationship. The prosecution charged the individual with abuse of position of authority under Section 24(4) of the Sexual Offences Act. During the trial, six witnesses—including the victim, her mother, the school headteacher, and a clinical officer—testified against the accused.

Magistrate Wasike stated the sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent, noting a rise in incidents where educators in Ganze Sub-County exploit the vulnerability of students. While the convict requested leniency due to his role as a family breadwinner, the court upheld the 10-year term. The County Director of Education has forwarded the teacher's records to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The convict has 14 days to appeal the ruling.