If you don't lie down and close your eyes, you're unlikely to have sex, right?
Well, that's what Tiaty West officials say and deputy county commissioner Jackton Orieny has been charged with banning a traditional December extravaganza known as Norouwondo. It literally means 'No Sleep' in Kalenjin language.
Orieny said the government made the decision to safeguard young girls and boys who often get exploited during the overnight festival.
It involves the smoking of weed, drinking of alcohol and other 'immoral' activities. That means sex.
But authorities have seldom been successful in stamping out teen exploratory sex.
“If you are planning to attend ‘Noruwondo’, go at your own risk,” the deputy commissioner told a gathering during the launch of a Sh10 million EU support project at AIC Chemolingot grounds on Monday.
He said officials have received reports the festival is to take place on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, "which we will not entertain."
Orieny threatened to take action against the planners of the event, saying they have even gone ahead to obtain a permit.
The deputy county commissioner said that such festivals have had "devastating consequences, such as high numbers of teen pregnancies and school dropouts" in the area.
His Tiaty East counterpart Josiah Odongo asked area chiefs, their assistants and village elders to be on high alert to ensure the No Sleep event does not take place.
Odongo said it would be wrong to organise such a festival that clearly targets minors, who are not yet in a position to make informed decisions in life.
The deputy county commissioner said there were other better ways of making good use of this long December holiday. He said parents could enrol their children their children in innovation courses, agribusiness and other productive engagement that can mould them for posterity.
(Edited by V. Graham)
