The EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill has been tabled before EALA as a private members bill fronted by Hon. Odette Nyiramilimo who is a representative from Rwanda. This Bill seeks to provide a legal framework for sexual and reproductive health in the East Africa Community; protect adolescents and young persons from sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation; and provide for assisted reproductive technology.
During this time, five public hearings were simultaneously held in the partner states (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) and they were aimed at giving the public an opportunity to deliberate on the content of the Bill. The persons invited to participate in the hearing in Kenya were representatives of various stakeholders including: national government representatives (Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education), civil society organisations (KELIN, Girls not Brides, Eastern Africa National Networks of AIDS Service Organisations EANNASO), faith-based organisations (Inter-Religious Council of Kenya), academia (The University of Nairobi – School of Medicine) and the medical fraternity (Kenya Paediatrics Association) among others.
The hearing brought about a rousing debate with the rich group of stakeholders sharing their views on the content of the Bill. Among the contentious issues discussed were: whether there is need for age appropriate sexuality education, access to family planning services for adolescents and the acceptability of the language used in framing termination of pregnancy. The meeting concluded on a positive note with the EAC Committee on General Purpose committing to incorporate the views they had received to strengthen the Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill by ensuring that it is comprehensive and will meet the needs of the EAC.
To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms: Twitter: @KELINKenya or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information contact:
Nerima Were
Programme Officer
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
KELIN
Mombasa Road, Somak House 4th Floor
P O Box 112 – 00200 KNH Nrb,
Tel: 020, 2515790
E-mail: nwere@kelinkenya.org
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
