The Influence of Christianity and Modernity on Youth Sexuality in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Before the advent of Christianity in Africa, the Abagusii community had systems of teaching youth responsible sexual behaviour. This prepared them for adolescent and adult experiences. However, the introduction of Christianity and modernity in Kisii Central Sub-County over a century ago has created a new culture which has interfered with these traditional systems. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of Christianity and modernity on youth sexuality in Kisii Central Sub-County. Qualitative method of research was employed. Information was gathered using questionnaires and interviews. Selected youth, youth leaders, pastors, priests and catechists from selected SDA and Catholic Churches formed the sample of 108 respondents. The study found out that Christianity and modernity have negatively influenced youth sexuality education in the area under study. They have weakened the moral fibre because the community hardly provides informal education for socialization of its youth as it did before. Besides, though churches organised youth programmes to teach youth on sexuality issues, youth rated them as inadequate. This causes uncertainty on sexuality matters and inclines youth to unreliable sources (peers, mass media and social networks).