In the traditional African set up, talk on sex or sexual health at the household level or on public was considered a taboo and communities remained silent, choosing to rely on traditional healing processes should the need arise. In the liberalized world we live in today, matters sex can no longer exist in silenced boxes of our fore fathers. Besides, sexual and reproductive health cases have increasingly become public debate, spurred by our changing and preferred lifestyles, our hold on some cultural practices and commercialization of professions in the medical field.
In Kenya today, many continue to face challenges in accessing and enjoying sexual and reproductive health services. Entrenched in our constitution, health is a constitutional right of every citizen with the government tasked with ensuring that quality healthcare can be accessed by all especially in government hospitals and health centers.
With the above right in mind, many Kenyans continue to suffer at the hands of health practitioners in both public and private institutions as well as under the hands of traditional practitioners in such aspects as female genital mutilation.
Such is the reality that triggered the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to constitute a public inquiry to investigate violations on sexual and reproductive health rights. In the report are heart wrenching testimonials, information from health practitioners that outline their challenges as well as recommendations to various parties on action to be taken to improve the enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health in Kenya.