Author: The Standard Editor
Date: February 9, 2007
Type of article: Media Editorial
Source: The East African Standard http://www.eastandard.net/archives/index.php?mnu=details&id=1143964625&catid=16

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The shocking reality of moral decadence among young women and, indeed, the youth has been laid bare in a survey on the sexual behaviour.

Sextrak study reeled shocking statistics of sexual permissiveness permeating a generation that should be the hope of the nation. And the facts speak for themselves. It is astounding that most girls — 56 per cent — lose their virginity by their sixteenth birthday. Legally, the age of consent is 18.

It, therefore, means that many girls are defiled because at that age, they cannot decide whether to engage in sex or not. This shows that children become sexually active at a tender age when they are immature — still in their adolescence.

For young unmarried women between 18 and 25 years of age, 70 per cent have lost their virginity. Equally astounding is the revelation that a significant number of the girls have taken to homosexuality, including lesbianism.

This should be a wake up call for parents, many of who are in denial. Schools and colleges have reported this sexual deviance but when parents are informed, their first reaction is denial.

In a sample population of 2,400 young women, 12 per cent or nearly 300 admitted that they were in lesbian relationships. If parents, teachers and religious leaders needed proof, now it stares them in the face in black and white.

And was it not at the recent World Social Forum in Nairobi that the gay community — if at all it can be called that — that those who profess this orientation came to the fore and demanded recognition?

The survey also found that group sex and the use of toys for sexual gratification, especially in schools is rampant. The changing sexual orientation of the youth is a national challenge that needs to be addressed. The survey is a clear sign of a society where moral decadence knows no bounds.

And it is not difficult to point at the source of the problem. Lack of proper parental guidance is one. Kenya has become a free market, and parenting is no exception. The more a parent allows his or her children to go ‘clubbing’ and lead a carefree life, the more he or she appears ‘cool’ among peers.

But the one who cares to find out what the youngsters are up to, who they met and who their friends are is seen as belonging to ancient past that is best forgotten.

Parents have abdicated their role and allowed social misfits, with the so-called modern approach, to take charge. From there, TV, movies that make adults wince, and money — for those who can afford it — take over.

According to the survey, only 31 per cent of the youth discuss their sexual lives with families. Of those sexually violated, only an insignificant number report to their parents or any authority, an indication that family and social systems have failed.

For parents who think that teachers play surrogate, they should think again. It is at school that children pick some of the odd behaviour — lesbianism, group sex and use of toys.

Continued bombardment of the youth with foreign mass media content and in the absence of guidance is now bare for all to see — moral decay. Sexuality is a major issue and it is getting out of hand. But the society must fight the battle and win. Support from parents, the extended family, religious leaders, psychologists, social workers, schools and the media is key.

They must work together. It is the only way to ensure the survival of the young generation so that they can become responsible adults. The clock is ticking.