The Reality of Sexual Offending in Kenya: Are Sex Offenders Finally Cornered?

Since the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act (2006) in Kenya, there have been ululations and condemnation altogether. What is not in doubt is that the Act has protected many women from sexual offenders and helped to net many more who would hitherto have gone free. The prospect of being found guilty is always looming among sexual deviants. The law provides for very long and rigid punishments, and vests too much power of discretion to the judges. It makes important definitions and clarifications regarding sexual offences which is useful for society, and the more vulnerable in particular. Already there are too many sexual offenders serving sentences ranging from probation, borstal to life in prison and penal authorities are getting wary of the high influx as they are admitted in droves. This new reality has led to calls for the review of the law. This paper highlights the key provisions of this law and seeks to inform the reader to be aware of this fact in Kenya. It also presents existing theoretical positions on why some people become sexual deviants.