Sexual Violence in Schools: Education Sector in the Dock

It is common knowledge that many sexual violence cases never get reported or at least on time. That can be said with certainty given that some cases come to light when consequences bear out. For example, a case of defilement is reported only when a girl falls pregnant or when other symptoms manifest such as a sexually transmitted infection or when a sodomised young boy starts walking with difficulty. It is important to add that defilements (of especially girls but also boys) top the list of reported sexual violence in Kenya with an average of 60 per cent of all reported cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (Health and Police reports). 80 percent of the 609 cases reported at the Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) based at the Coast General Hospital in Mombasa last year (2012) were defilements. Of these, 20 percent were those of boys (sodomy).

A recent rapid assessment involving stakeholders in Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) prevention and response revealed that most sexual violence cases happen within the confines of homes and schools. A doctor participating in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was categorical about living with extend families, her message was “Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako!” - a warning to parents to be careful about hosting relatives.

Coast takes the Lead in Early Sex Initiation!

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2008-09), children and youth in Coast and Nyanza start having sex at an early age. The study found that 27.7% of children in Coast had initiated sexual at ages 8-11while in Nyanza 27.5% had their first sexual experience between age12 and 14.

All these are cases of defilement that can be prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act (SOA, 2006).
On the other hand, it means sex education is not working - not in school, not at home! Or are these due to early marriages? Don't talk about Female Genital Cutting (FGC) because Western has the lowest proportion of FGC (0.8%) but age at first sex is only at 14.5% for youth aged 15-18 and much lower for lower age groups. Again, while FGC is highest in Northern Kenya (97%),  initiation into sex averages 7% across ages 8-18. So those bent on insisting that girls must face the knife in order to cut on early sexual initiation have no place - As far as I am concerned, FGC is a means to early marriages and both are cases of sexual violence prohibited by law - They are violations against human rights - PERIOD!

KUDOS MR PRESIDENT! Let Women Give Birth and Live to See their Children Play

Causes of neonate and maternal deaths are well known and can be prevented. According to the MDG Report on Africa (2013),  “majority of neonatal deaths result from complications related to preterm birth or complications during birth. Delivering at home without a skilled health-care provider leaves women and babies at greater risk of such complications, and thus accessing health care during pregnancy and delivery is essential for improving both maternal and child health. Simple interventions such as folic acid supplementation, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia prevention, malaria treatment, clean delivery practices and breastfeeding can drastically reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality”.

Male Involvement is Critical in Sexual and Gender based Violence Prevention and Mitigation Programming

Gender based violence takes three main forms – physical, sexual and psychological. All the three have immense impact on individual and societal development. It has now been acknowledged globally that gender based violence is a human rights violation - a crime and that measures need to be put in place to control and even stem out the vice.

In Kenya, reports from health facilities provide evidence that defilement of both girls and boys is rife followed by rape of female victims. Domestic violence, especially intimate partner violence is increasingly being reported in most parts of the country while physical violence meted on women is high in Western and

Youth and HIV in Kenya

Nyanza youth bear the highest HIV burden in Kenya. However, in the great North Eastern Region, more youth than adults are infected (1.0% compared to 0.9%, respectively)

Read more about Youth and HIV in Kenya

Contraception Promotes Women's and Girls' Health

(NAIROBI). As the world celebrates the international day for contraceptive awareness, only two out of five women aged 15-49 in North Eastern region are currently using a modern contraceptive method. For this reason, number of births per woman has remained high at approximately 5.9 (according to the Kenya Demographic Survey (KDHS), 2008-09).

The World Contraceptive Day is a global event celebrated on 26^th September annually. In Kenya, the day is used to take stock of the progress being made in managing the population. The government uses this forum to inform and educate its population on the dangers of rapid population growth as well as the benefits of contraception. Between 1999 and 2009, Kenya’s population grew at one million a year moving from 28.6 million to 38.9 million.

The government has ensured provision of contraceptive methods to all who need them. These are available for free in all government health facilities.

A Prayer for Kenya

LORD, give your servant a discerning heart

A heart to govern your people and this great nation, Kenya

Wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong

Wisdom to rule justly

Like Solomon, our ruler is young

And our nation great and adorned

Let nations hold him in awe

For greatness and glory are yours

Give him the courage of David

And anoint him thus

Cause him to walk in righteousness

And may your glory back him up thus

Like with Moses, you have heard our cry

Strengthen his resolve oh LORD

To lead your people yonder

LORD be with him

Lose your sight not on us LORD we pray

Let not your people falter and fall

Walk us in your path

For greatness and glory are yours

Loosen the chains of injustice

And set the captives, oppressed free

Let barren lands, seas and men bear fruit

And your glory radiate throughout Kenya

All nations will hold her in awe

Marvelling at her prosperity and beauty

And all peoples shall bow before you oh LORD

For it will be your making – world without end

M Mwaila