MPs push for re-introduction of sex education in schools

The Ministry of Education could soon be compelled to provide guidelines for inclusion of sex education in school syllabuses if the proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences Act debated in the National Assembly passes.

The Bill, among other things, proposes the re-introduction of sex subjects in schools with the Ministry tasked to come up with guidelines.

The Sexual Offences Amendment Bill, 2016, fronted by Busia Woman Representative, Florence Mutua, also seeks to get rid of instances where sexual offenders use out of court negotiations to evade justice.

The Bill further seeks to expressly deny plea to sexual offenders on grounds that such cases have been collapsing on basis of lack of evidence something the sponsor of the Bill says it becomes difficult for instance to establish where a rape was done.

According to the Bill, sexual offences includes contact between body parts with genital organs, breasts or buttocks of another person but does not include an act that causes penetration.

In addition exposure of one’s breasts, genital organs, buttocks or even showing pornographic materials to an unwilling person also amounts to sexual offence.

Rapists and those who defile young children were also put on notice during the debate in the National Assembly.

The Bill also seeks to establish special units as well as officers specifically tasked to conduct investigations relating to sexual offences.