Socioeconomic Implications of under-age sexual relationships in East Kamagambo, Rongo, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

Children are the future of any state, they are the foundation of the future development. The children are protected against any abuse by the law from physical, mental, injury, and sexual exploitation among others. However, there are situations where children abuse other fellow children especially when children when they engage in sexual relationships. These sexual relationships have been a major cause of primary school dropout, early pregnancy, early marriage and spread of infectious diseases like HIV and STIs. This has threatened the education progress of children thus increasing illiteracy and poor health outcomes among children. This study examined the Socio-economic implications of under-age sexual relationships in East Kamagambo in Rongo, Migori County. It was grounded in social learning theory and Abraham Maslow hierarchy of needs. The study revealed that; fear of being arrested, parenting, poverty, and fear of shame or stigma associated with pregnancy, lack of education and awareness and economic activities. The study revealed that there was rampant primary school dropout for both boys and girls, early marriage among schoolaged children, rejection of girls by their young boyfriends, girls running away from home when they realize they are pregnant, some parents do not care to report the abuse. This study recommends effective reproductive health education in workshops and seminars conducted in both secondary and primary schools, sensitization of the parents on how to supervise adolescents, training on the effective parenting skills, adoption of counsellors or social workers services in schools, the law should discourage informal negotiations among parents in the event of child pregnancy. Parents should be encouraged to give support to their pregnant girls and not to marry them off to the young boys, advocacy and community awareness on the negative effects of underage sexual relationships.