Experiences of Teenage Boys With Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Single-sex Public Schools in Nakuru East Sub-county.

Abstract

Sexual abuse of school going children in Kenya does exist. Their sexual safety continues to remain at risk. Learning institutions in Kenya have gradually gained notoriety as venues of sexual assault. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the experiences of teenage boys with sexual exploitation and abuse in single sex public schools in Nakuru East Sub-County. Specifically, the study sought to: identify and understand the forms of sexual abuse and exploitation, among teenage boys; determine the effects of sexual exploitation and abuse on teenage boys in single-sex secondary schools; and establish the coping mechanisms adopted by teenage boys to sexual exploitation and abuse in single-sex secondary schools in Nakuru County. The study was guided by the social learning theory and collected data through qualitative methods among 30 teenage boys. Qualitative data collected from the interviews was analyzed using content analysis. Themes with respect to the study objectives were developed to present the findings in Narration form. The study established that the forms of SEA among the respondents included fondling, kissing/attempted kissing, rape, verbal sexual assault, and being forced to trade sexual acts for something else such as grades. These abuses affected teenage boys socially, since the victims of SEA withdrew from other students and psychologically since the victims of SEA fell into depression. The boys were found to cope by bullying, engaging in sexual activities, skipping classes, and withdrawing from social groups. Perpetrators use fear to commit SEA and to take advantage of vulnerable boys. It was evident that school management and the government at large have failed in protecting students against perpetrators of SEA. Therefore, this study recommends that the government in collaboration with the school management should create a conducive environment where students feel free to report any incidents of SEA. This should involve regular training of counseling teachers and student-body sensitization on SEA. A further study examining SEA by teaching and non-teaching staff in both single and mixed-sex schools is recommended.