Kenya: Lobby’s Plea On Paedophiles

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Kerubo Lornah

23 July 2011

A human rights organization now wants the government to give paedophiles stiffer penalties.

The Kenya Community Support Centre director Phyllis Muema said the government has not put strong laws in place to restrict tourists from spoiling young children.

She said child prostitution has taken root at the Coast and is greatly promoted by tourists who take advantage of poor children.

Muema said more than 5,000 youth are currently operating as sex workers in the Coastal towns ever night. She challenged the government to implement the Children Protection Act which is supposed to prosecute any person molesting children. “Tourists are supposed to add value to our country.

The government should not tolerate any one who is misbehaving because of money. Tourists should clearly know that they do not come to the country to wipe out our young generation,” she said.

She accused the ministry of children of laxity in dealing with the issue of ‘sex, sun and sand or safaris’ which she said has become the new maxim in tourist circles at the Kenyan Coast. The activist lamented that many tourists who are irresponsible have infected young girls and boys with deadly diseases. She noted that the money factor has eroded the community’s values.

Muema who is also a children crusader challenged the ministry of tourism to put terms and conditions for tourists who visit the country. She said that Kenya can manage to get responsible tourists if the laws are stated clearly.

The director said that the government must deal with this issue now before it gets out of hand. She also said that the government should deal with individuals who allow school girls into their lodgings and bars.

She said that the government should regulate restaurants and guest houses. “Other countries have put strict measure to curb sex tourism. Kenya has no option but to do the same. Money cannot buy back our lost values nor can it bring back the lost health of our young ones,” she said.

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