Members of Parliament, (MPs) have thrown their weight behind the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks to introduce nationwide public education on sexual crimes and protect the right to education for victims, including teenage mothers.
The Bill, sponsored by Kisii County Woman Representative Dorice Donya Aburi, proposes amendments to the Sexual Offences Act (Cap. 63A).
It seeks to require the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Legal Affairs, in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary for Education, to promote awareness on sexual offences through structured education and public information campaigns.
The proposed law also provides for the development of programs aimed at protecting and promoting the education rights of survivors of sexual violence.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Donya said lack of awareness remains a major obstacle in the country’s fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
“Awareness is the missing link in addressing sexual offences in Kenya. The public must be educated on these offences to prevent them from recurring,” she said.
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She noted that misinformation and stigma, particularly in rural areas, continue to hinder justice for victims. According to the legislator, some families unknowingly interfere with crucial evidence in defilement cases due to lack of knowledge.
“In many cases, when a girl is defiled, the first thing the parents do is tell her to go and shower before seeing a doctor. That destroys evidence and denies victims justice,” Donya said.
She emphasized the need to empower victims with information about their rights, saying many survivors are discouraged from reporting crimes for fear of bringing shame to their families.
“Some victims are told not to report because they will bring shame to the family. This Bill ensures every victim knows that reporting is their right,” she added.
The legislator said the amendment would also safeguard the right to education for teenage mothers and other survivors of sexual violence, ensuring they are not forced to drop out of school due to stigma or discrimination.
Nandi County Woman Representative Cynthia Muge supported the Bill, noting that while Kenya has progressive laws, enforcement remains weak.
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“We have the Sexual Offences Act, the Children’s Act, and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, yet implementation remains a challenge,” she said.
Muge said the amendment seeks to bridge the gap between existing laws and public knowledge, adding that citizens must understand their rights and the steps to take when violations occur.
She also highlighted persistent challenges such as victim-blaming and poor coordination among law enforcement agencies, health facilities, and the judiciary.
Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai also backed the proposed legislation, describing sexual violence as a “national shame that cuts across class, age, and gender.”
Nyamai called for dedicated funding to ensure that awareness programs reach all counties and effectively address the root causes of sexual and gender-based violence.
The Bill now proceeds through the legislative process as lawmakers seek to strengthen protections for victims and enhance public awareness in the fight against sexual offences.
By Obegi Malack
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