By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023 has been introduced in the National Assembly by Kisii County MP Hon. Dorice Donya.
She seeks to amend the Sexual Offences Act, 2006 to provide for promotion of national public awareness of sexual offences.
According to Parliament the Bill mandates the Cabinet Secretary responsible for education to establish programs to safeguard, protect, and promote the right to education of victims of sexual offences, including victims of teenage pregnancies.
“The principal object of this Bill is to amend the Sexual Offences Act,2006 to provide for promotion of national public awareness of sexual offences.Further the Bill mandates the Cabinet Secretary responsible for education to establish programs to safeguard,protect and promote the right to education of victims of sexual offences, including victims of teenage pregnancies,” read the Bill.
The Bill provides for the definition of a cabinet secretary so as to align the Act with the Constitution.
Clause 7 of the Bill seeks to introduce a new section 46A providing for promotion of national public awareness of sexual offences.
Further, the Bill requires the Cabinet Secretary responsible for education to establish programs to safeguard, protect, and promote the right to education of victims of sexual offences, including victims of teenage pregnancies.
The Sexual Offences Act, 2006 was designed in Parliament to address and combat sexual offenses.
It outlines various sexual offenses, establishes procedures for the prosecution of these offenses, and sets forth penalties for those convicted.
The key features of the Act includes; Definition of Sexual Offences, Penalties, Protection of victims, Mandatory Reporting, Evidence and Procedure, Sexual Offenders Register, Public Awareness and Education and Legal Amendments.