With a number of countries across the globe reviewing the consent age for sex — lowering it for that purpose —Kenya should not be tempted to follow suit.
Germany recently set the age at 14 years, while America has it at 16. However, are we as a country ready to have our sons and daughters have sex at that age? According to the Kenyan education system, teenagers are mostly at their secondary school level, while others are in primary school. Whether we are ready to expose them to sex and maybe invest in teaching them on sexuality topics, is another discussion.
Some people think that lowering the consent age for sex will give more appetite to adult predators, who find pleasure in spoiling and ruining the lives of these teenagers. Furthermore, the idea will raise awareness among young people, who will engage in sexual acts without fear, claiming that they are legal.
If we have to reduce teenage pregnancies, abortions and use of illegal drugs, we must thus have a broader and deep conversation that will see our teenagers safe.
Thomas Thairu, Nairobi
