Gender relations and sexual activity among the Youth and the role of the Church in Kenya: A case study of Uasin Gishu District

Abstract

In many parts of Africa, young unmarried people are not expected to be sexually active; premarital sex is condemned in nearly all African societies. But the gap between the expected and the actual behaviour is enormous. A significant number of young people are sexually active, sometimes with multiple partners. established high prevalence In Kenya, past researches have of sexual activity and mobility by young people. This is evident in the high incidences of pregnancies, abortions, stress, and sexually Immunodeficiency (HIV/AIDS). transmitted Virus/Acquired diseases, Immune including Deficiency Human Syndrome The problem of sexual activity among young people in Kenya and the resultant effects of this has been a major concern to people of various professions and persuasions. A lot of research has been done and many international, national and regional seminars and workshops on the subject are held almost on weekly basis. Yet, the problem continues to threaten the future of the country. This study provides a new approach to addressing the problem. The researcher hypothesizes that the major determinant activity is the socio-cultural of youth sexual and religious environment within which the youth grow. Specifically, the basic hypothesis was that gender relations in Kenya, characterised by male dominance and female subordination, encourage sexual activity among young people. The study recommends practical and progressive interventions in addressing the problem. The study combines documentary research with social survey. A multi- dimensional approach to data collection was applied whereby qualitative