Conundrum of Child Marriage: Analysis of Influence of Sexuality in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Child marriage is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. It is recognized in target 5.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which nations are urged to eliminate. There has been concerted efforts by the government of Kenya to deal with the vice. Despite these efforts, the vice continues unabated, especially in Homa Bay County where the prevalence rate (40.0%) almost doubles the national prevalence rate (23%). The study sought to examine the influence of sexuality on child marriage. The study was guided by Social Constructionism Theory. The theory is premised on the fact that social and normative meanings are socially fixed and/or defined. This implies that the meanings attached to any social reality are dependent on what the society builds as models of explaining and understanding such realities. The Study employed mixed method approach in which a cross-sectional household survey was applied. Study targeted 371 young women in Homabay County as the main respondents. Chiefs, teachers and healthcare workers in the area were the key respondents. Cluster, Purposive sampling, Systematic random sampling was used as sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion. Data was subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The study reveals that sexuality plays an important role in child marriage. When subjected to regression analysis, R-value of 0.773 was found showing a moderately strong correlation. R-square value of 0.597 revealed that combined independent variables account for 59.7% of the variation in the dependent variable. Study recommends that sex education to be introduced in schools so as to enlighten children on issues of sexuality. It also recommends that government should develop a framework of implementing the available policies and sensitize members of the public on harmful practice of child marriage.