Nakuru youths now want parents who have children living with HIV /AIDS to disclose their status to them.
The youths cited that majority of the children were unaware of their statuses, and could pose a huge danger as many were being exposed to sex at a young age.
Speaking during a public baraza at Kiamaina, the youths said that HIV status risk could also pose a problem to their peers.
“We are appealing to them to ensure that they are aware of their status as this will also help them correlate with their peers. It will also be a mandatory for them to accept their current situation and at the same time be an example to the rest,” said Peter Kahuria, a participant.
Janet Muthoni, another participant insisted that the government should introduce compulsory testing for primary and secondary school students.
“With the new research indicating that many of the teenagers are now practicing sex, they should be forced to take the tests and the counseling that goes on with it. This will ensure that they also do not spread the virus if they are found with it,” she added.
Margaret Kimani, a teacher, however said that the introduction of HIV lessons in the curriculum had helped in creating awareness to the students.
“Many have been approaching us and indicating that they want to have the tests done. However, we have always feared thinking they were too young. We are now appealing to the stakeholders to help us in this drive,” she added.