Abstract:
This paper is premised on the findings of a study carried out among the Akamba people of
Machakos County, Kenya. The study was part of a research project sponsored by OSSREA
within the theme, Insights into Gender, Equality and Power Relations in Sub-Saharan Africa
between 2012 and 2013. The research design was descriptive. Data for this study was
collected using various qualitative and quantitative methods from a study sample of 240
adolescents arrived at using systematic sampling procedure. There were also 25 key
informants purposively sampled. The findings demonstrate that contemporary Akamba
adolescents are bereft of accurate sexuality knowledge. The paper posits that the
contemporary Akamba adolescent is in a vulnerable position due to the wrong messages and
lacuna of knowledge on topical sexuality issues which engenders indiscriminate sexual
indulgence. This kind of scenario predisposes them to STDs/HIV/AIDS, unwanted
pregnancies, abortion, surreptitious marriages, among others. Ignorance and fallacious
sexuality knowledge among adolescents is explained within the backdrop of collapsed
traditional structures and institutions that controlled, counseled and guided adolescents on
sexual development and behavior. The paper concludes that ignorance and fallacious
sexuality knowledge are as a result of dilemmas on sexuality socialization in the Akamba
society. Indeed, fallacious sexuality knowledge is the jinx as well as Achilles heel upon
which contemporary Akamba adolescent sexuality is premised on. It recommends that
Comprehensive Sexuality Education should be institutionalized within the family as well as
in other socially supportive institutions.
