Sex education contraversy: views of youth and teachers in Kenya

Abstract

This study reports data collected from 1,361 students in all parts of Kenya between the ages of 15 and 25 years. Information is also presented from another study of 237 teachers. The investigation was aimed at soliciting the opinions of students and teachers on the subject of sex educations what it means, who should be taught and who should teach the subject. The related problems of pregnancy and abortion among school girls and venereal disease among students are also discussed with comparative data from other countries. It is found that both groups of respondents believe that young people urgently need information about sex. The students feel that they are not receiving adequate information from their parents or other family members so that sex education should be provided by the schools. However, not all teachers consider themselves competent to teach sex education. Education planners and other responsible persons in Kenya need to rethink how this important subject can best be taught to the youth of the country.