Archbishop Sapit asks govt to consult with all “stakeholders” in developing state sexual education curriculum

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) stands opposed to the introduction of sex education classes in primary schools, saying introducing the subject to early to children without input from the church would harm their moral character. In an address given on 7 Oct 2016 at the graduation ceremony at St Paul’s University in Limeru, the Most Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit said sex education was best handled in consultation with the family church and other education “stakeholders” and not imposed by government fiat. The archbishop urged young people to be faithful to the church’s teachings and avoid fornication and sexual immorality. Advocates for introducing sex education classes in primary schools point to a rise in sexual activity among the young. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014 reported that on average, about 2 out of 10 children have their first sexual encounter by age 15, rising to 5 out of 10 by age 18. By age 15, three per cent of girls have had their first child, with 40 per cent of 19 year old girls having had a child. The survey found that among children aged 15 to 17, less than half were aware of HIV transmission and prevention practices. Church leaders have argued that they are not against educating children about sexual health. Their concern is that sexual education divorced from moral and cultural considerations will be seen as a license by the young for promiscuity.