A file photo of contraceptives used in Kenya [PHOTO/nation.co.ke]
Kenyan teenagers have demanded to be taught the proper use of condoms, oral pills and injectable contaceptives in schools and at home.
They also demand the adequate availability of condoms to enable them protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases and curb unwanted pregnancies.
This is according to a study conducted on teens between 15 and 17 in Mombasa, Homa Bay, and Nairobi counties.
The Guttmacher and African Population and Health Research Center (GAPHRC) interviewed 2,484 teenagers in the study dubbed From Paper to Practice: Sexuality Education Policies and Their Implementation in Kenya, where they also expressed eagerness to know reproductive health, abstinence, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Thie interest in contraception brings to light the stark reality that Kenyan teenagers are already having sex, and holds parents responsible of failing to ensure that sexual or reproductive health is taught to their children.
The study also found out that 30 per cent of those inteviewed were sexually active. Majority were boys.
International Christian Centre's Pastor Philip Kitoto says that Kenya's curriculum has failed terribly in addressing the needs of children, and said that morals must be upheld since they are the right foundation of a stable society.
“The problem is that we have adopted a ‘telling’ rather than ‘engaging’ approach to sexuality education,” he said.
“We need to hear from our teens why they think it is important for them to have sex now, and then engage with them on what is right or wrong about their thinking and behaviour," he added.