Where is the time for condom use?

Secondary school teachers yesterday said they will not provide time for condom use by students if a proposal seeking to introduce them in institutions is ratified.

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) National Chairman John Awiti termed the condom and reproductive pills debate as "an idea whose time has not come", noting various education stakeholders had not admitted failure in their duty to give children direction.

"If a games kit is provided to the student and made compulsory, then as a teacher you must also provide time for them to play the game with it," said Awiti amid laughter from the over 7,000 school principals attending their annual conference in Mombasa.

He added: "You cannot come up with anything and make it sound academic. Parents, church leaders and teachers have not told anyone they have withdrawn their guidance and counselling services."

Kenya National Parents and Teachers Association National Chairman Nathan Barasa said parents read mischief in the Bill sponsored by nominated Senator Judith Sijeny.

The proposed law describes adolescents as persons aged between ten and seventeen.

"Is there something hidden in this? Is someone trying to create a market for some foreign companies? We cannot allow this and that is the stand of all parents," said Barasa.

He termed as 'unfortunate' an attempt to introduce a Bill that proposes all school children be provided with condoms and birth control pills.

The Reproductive Health Care Bill 2014 to be tabled in the Senate proposes adolescents be given access to comprehensive sexual education and confidential services.