Kisii County Government has expressed deep concern over the escalating rate of new HIV/AIDS infections within the region, attributing it to widespread ignorance and promiscuity among the youth.
Speaking at Daraja Mbili Secondary School during World AIDS Day, Kisii County Governor Simba Arati emphasized that the most adversely affected group comprises students, who often adopt a casual approach to unprotected sexual intercourse, leading to subsequent remorse.
“These youths perceive sexual intercourse as routine, only to later discover they have contracted the disease. Tragically, some even resort to suicide upon learning of their infection,” Arati remarked.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Health, Ronald Nyakweba, Arati urged a united front in the fight against the pandemic.
He called upon community leaders, including churches and educators, to shoulder the responsibility of enlightening the public on safety precautions such as condom use, abstinence until marriage, and personal restraint.
“The prevalence of infections is on the rise in our county, necessitating interventions such as regular testing, community linkages to health facilities, and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, coupled with comprehensive care,” Arati emphasized.
During the event, themed “Let the Community Lead,” speakers implored both the National and County Governments to enforce stringent regulations concerning the free movement of youth within urban areas.
“Apprehend underage girls wandering the streets and place them under the care of Kiamuasi Child Rehabilitation Centre, shielding them from potential sexual exploitation in town,” suggested Esnas Nyaramba, a human rights activist.
Nyaramba attributed a significant portion of the HIV/AIDS spread to Gender-Based Violence in homes and urged law courts and practitioners to provide free legal services to victims, ensuring justice against their perpetrators.
By Enock Okong’o
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