Fallacious sexuality knowledge and its implications among the Akamba adolescents in Machakos County, Kenya

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.