Social Factors Influencing Youth Sexuality In Kenya - A Case Study Of Nairobi
Acknowledgement
The accomplishment of this Research Project could not have been possible without a great deal of support and contributions from various personalities and institutions. First and foremost, I thank the Most High God for giving the gift of life, good health and the innovative ability to undertake this planning research project. Secondly, this project would not have been a stepping stone for my study endeavors if it were not for my supervisor; Mr. (supervisor’s name) for his enthusiastic and indefatigable close supervision and guidance. Deprived of his professionalism and understanding, this research would not be what it is. In the same spirit, I acknowledge and thank the other lecturers for enabling my understanding of different critical aspects for my course. My profound thankfulness goes out to my family, for their care and support; and to all my classmates and my friends for their comfort, being supportive and present when I needed them.
Since it could be quite impossible to list everyone who helped at any point of this project, I would like to express gratitude to all those who put their time, effort and resources in this research. God bless you all.
I am making this project not only to be awarded marks but also to increase my knowledge in research.
Abstract
According to the 2009 population census, over 55 percent (21. 6 million) of the population is below 25 years old. The youthful age structure in turn presents socio-economic and health challenges for the country. It’s therefore imperative to ensure their needs are taken care off to enhance and / or ensure the overall growth of the youth’s welfare as stated in the constitution of Kenya (2010) and the country’s. Youths’ sexuality is a great area of concern that must be addressed by all the stakeholders. Their sexuality plays a major role on their health and general wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the social factors affecting and / or influencing youth sexuality in Kenya, specifically Nairobi County. The objectives of the study was to identify the social factors influencing youths’ sexuality and identify the different types of sexuality youths identify themselves with. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. The target population was largely university students with few high school students. The sample size compromised of 50 respondents.
The semi-structured questionnaires had both closed and open-ended questions. The obtained data was presented through graphs and tables. The study established that, youth sexuality is affected by several factors majorly by social factors. Similarly, lack of sexual education in the schools’ curriculum is among the main reason for poor decisions made by youths about their sexuality. The researcher recommended that Age Appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education must be created, taught, implemented in the school curriculum; from primary school to universities and colleges.
In addition, the community ought to be sensitized on the importance of AACSE as a way of embracing the program and shunning away intimidation of its teachers. The Kenya Curriculum Development in collaboration with Ministry of Education ought to ensure that Life Skills Education is examined in the national examinations. The government of Kenya should make an initiative of employing more teachers as a way of combating the high teacher; pupil ratio since teachers view teaching of Life Skills Education as an additional burden on the already over stretched teaching load. Future research on; the community view on the implementation of AACSE, relevance and acceptability of AACSE program among teachers and learners, impact of the sexuality decisions the youth make on their lives (economic, social-cultural, religious) were suggested.
Background of the study
The National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy (2015) notes that according to the Kenya Population Situation Analysis (2013), the country has a rapidly growing population with the majority (24%) being below 20 years. This young population has implications on the social, economic and political agenda of Kenya. A young population puts great demands on provision of health services, education, water and sanitation, housing and employment. At the same time, it provides opportunities for the country’s development if the adolescents get opportunities to attain educational goals and receive an all-round preparation for responsible adulthood. This segment of the population, therefore, requires close attention of all sectors of government, development partners and other stakeholders for the country to attain the Vision 20301, African Youth Charter (2006) and Post-2015 Development Agenda through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Describe social factors affecting human sexuality (e. g. , culture, religious values, stereotyping, role models, media influence, body image, sexual orientation…) Examine the influences (e. g. , family values, culture and religion, peer pressure, media images and advertising, substance use…) on making decisions for responsible sexual behaviour.
Review personal responsibilities and sources of support (e. g. , parents, nurses, doctors, counsellors, helplines, community health services, religious leaders, recommended books…) with regard to sex-related health issues. Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, erotic, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term, which has varied over time, it lacks a precise definition. “…human sexuality is just a vital. In some ways, in fact, the consequences of skipping math are less consequential than ignorance about sexuality -- the misuse of algebra is not likely to cause an unintended pregnancy…” Don Ardell, 2002 social factors affecting include religion, peer pressure, globalization, and place of residence (Maasai (rural) act differently to urban youths, Homosexuality, lesbianism, transgender, virginity, open relationship, sexual buddies (FWB)Define human sexuality, social factors, Youths, Nairobi County. Social factors influencing youth sexuality.
According to the Kenya Population Situation Analysis (2013), the country has a rapidly growing population with the majority (24%) being below 20 years. This young population has implications on the social, economic and political agenda of the country. A young population puts great demands on provision of health services, education, water and sanitation, housing and employment. At the same time, it provides opportunities for the country’s development if the adolescents get opportunities to attain educational goals and receive an all round preparation for responsible adulthood. This segment of the population, therefore, requires close attention of all sectors of government, development partners and other stakeholders for the country to attain the Vision 20301, African Youth Charter (2006) and Post-2015 Development Agenda through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Kenya’s first Adolescent and Reproductive Health and Development (ARHD) Policy was developed in 2003. Since then a lot of things have changed at the national and international levels that needed to be taken into account as the Policy was reviewed. This includes the Constitution of Kenya (2010) with its attendant devolved governance structure as well as demographics, social, economic and technological environment. The government has made concerted efforts as part of Vision 2030 to respond to adolescents and young people by providing opportunities for economic development and skills building. The dedication of a Directorate for Youth and the setting up of funds earmarked for youth entrepreneurships is commendable. An ARHD Policy Implementation Assessment (2013) conducted by the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) and the former Division of Reproductive Health (DRH), currently Reproductive and Maternal Health Services Unit, with technical and financial support from USAID through the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) revealed that the ARHD Policy improved the environment for implementation of ASRH programs and services in the country. The assessment also showed that the Policy laid the foundation for development of related policies, strategies and guidelines on ASRH as well as enhanced partnerships between government, private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and civil society organizations (CSOs).
In addition, it provided a platform for improvement of knowledge and attitudes towards Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) among adolescents, parents, teachers, religious leaders and community members and to some extent empowered adolescents to utilize available health services.
National adolescent sexual and reprodcutive health policy 2015
However, the ARHD Policy faced various implementation challenges which include delayed development of the Plan of Action, inadequate dissemination of both the Policy and Plan of Action, lack of coordination among implementing partners, low stakeholder and youth involvement, limited leadership, inadequate resources, lack of political will and cultural and religious barriers to ASRH. The foregoing necessitated review of the ARHD Policy. The National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy aims to enhance SRH status of adolescents in Kenya and contribute towards realization of their full potential in national development. The Policy intends to bring adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights issues into the country’s mainstream health and development agenda.
