Kenya, officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the northeast, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast.

Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, is the economic, political, and cultural hub of the country. Kenya has a diverse population with more than 50 different ethnic groups, including the Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kalenjin, and Maasai, among others. Swahili and English are the official languages, but there are many local languages spoken throughout the country.

Kenya is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is home to several national parks and reserves, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park. These protected areas provide habitats for a wide range of iconic animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and countless bird species.

Tourism plays a significant role in Kenya’s economy, as visitors come from around the world to experience its wildlife safaris, stunning landscapes like the Great Rift Valley, and beautiful coastal areas such as Mombasa and Diani Beach. Additionally, Kenya is known for its athletic prowess, producing world-class runners who have excelled in long-distance running events.

Despite its natural beauty and tourism sector, Kenya faces various challenges. Poverty, unemployment, and income inequality remain significant concerns, particularly in rural areas. Access to education and healthcare is also a priority for the government to improve the overall well-being of its citizens.

Kenya has a developing economy, with agriculture being a key sector contributing to its GDP. The country exports tea, coffee, horticultural products, and recently has seen an increase in exports of cut flowers and avocados. Additionally, Kenya is exploring other sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology as drivers of economic growth.

In recent years, Kenya has made progress in infrastructure development, with the construction of roads, railways, and the expansion of port facilities. These initiatives aim to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade within the country and with neighboring countries.

Kenya has a rich cultural heritage, and its traditional music, dance, and art reflect the diversity of its people. The Maasai people, known for their distinctive red attire and beaded jewelry, are among the well-known ethnic groups in Kenya, as are the Samburu, Turkana, and Kamba.

Overall, Kenya is a vibrant and diverse nation with a fascinating mix of natural wonders, cultural traditions, and a resilient population striving for a better future.

By Joe Mwangi

Comprehensive sexuality education enables young people to make informed decisions about their sexuality and health. It is taught over several years, introducing age-appropriate, scientifically accurate information consistent with the evolving capacities of young people. And it goes beyond information, to encourage confidence and improved communication skills. These programmes build life skills and increase responsible behaviours, and because they are based on human-rights principles, they help advance human rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of young people.

We should support efforts by countries to deliver comprehensive sexuality education with a particular focus on ensuring that curricula meet international standards and on training educators who promote respect for gender equality and the rights of adolescents and youth to have control over matters related to their sexuality, including their sexual and reproductive health.

 

Outside of schools, we should work with the established Youth Peer Education Network (Y-PEER) and utilizes innovative tactics – including websites and social media, theatre performances and celebrity spokespeople – to reach the young people most in need of information with quality facts and messages about sexual and reproductive health.

Numerous studies show that curricula providing accurate information about condoms and contraception can lead to reductions in the risky behaviors reported by young people, particularly when gender equality is integrated into the learning material. Young people who adopt egalitarian attitudes about gender roles have been found to be more likely to delay sexual initiation, use condoms, and practice contraception. They also have lower rates of STIs, including HIV, and unintended pregnancy, and they are less likely to be in violent relationships.

By emphasizing rights and gender issues, comprehensive sexuality education programmes help reduce gender-based violence and bullying, promote safe schools, empower young people to advocate for their own rights, and advance gender equality.

Adolescents and youth have a right to education and skills-building as they experience physical and emotional maturation; begin relationships; and face decisions that will affect their lifelong physical and mental health and well-being. Yet research shows that the majority of adolescents lack the skills and knowledge required to make those decisions responsibly, leaving them vulnerable to coercion, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancy.

The bluestar insider.

By JOE MWANGI.