Youth from Nyamira County have been urged to abstain from premarital sex, as the campaign against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) kicks off in Borabu Constituency.
Speaking during the launch of a one week campaign in the region on Tuesday, nominated Senator Daisy Nyongesa said many youth were getting infected with STDs because of engaging in premarital sex.
The senator also urged those who were compelled to engage in sexual activities to consider using contraceptives to curb the menace, which she said was threatening the welfare of young people.
“As a fellow youth, I would like to plead with you to desist from engaging in premarital sex. A large number of youth are contracting STDs simply because they cannot abstain. However, it is important to use contraceptives in a bid to combat this trend of young people dying from STDs,” she said.
Nyongesa also acknowledged the role of the church in teaching youth good morals, and urged its leadership to increase its outreach programmes in a bid to reach more youth.
“I must laud the Church for its continued advocacy for good morals. However, they have to do more now that they have received backing from political leaders. The outreach programmes should be increased so that we can reach more youth,” she said.
She also urged leaders to sponsor civic education programmes through social events that are widely attended by the youths.
“As leaders, we also have a role to play. Supporting social events where we can incorporate civic education will really help. I am confident that if we embrace these social events, we can combat the rapid spread of STDs among the youth by urging the youthful population to abstain from premarital sex,” said Nyongesa.