Activists reject proposal to lower sexual consent age from 18 to 16

Children rights activists are calling for the rejection of the proposal to lower the age of sexual consent from 18 to 16 years. 

Saying such a move will undo the gains made in the education and health sectors, the activists noted that this will roll back all the gains made in protecting young girls from early marriages, pregnancies and sexual molestation.

Speaking during a multi-sectoral forum to discuss the proposal, the State Department of Gender Affairs Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe said if the age of consent is reduced it will encourage sex predators, increase teenage pregnancies and contribute to an increase in abortion and maternal mortality rates.

National Gender and Equality Commission Chairperson Dr. Joyce Mutinda said the constitution is designed with the knowledge that children are below 18 years hence lowering the age of consent age would repeal all provisions made to protect young girls.

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Supreme Court Judge, Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu has also opposed the proposal.

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