In a landmark ruling, Kenya’s High Court has declared that young people should no longer face criminal prosecution for consensual under-age sexual relationships, a decision rights groups are calling a major victory for adolescent rights.

Sex education and the use of contraception remain taboo in many parts of Kenya due to the strong influence of Christian churches.

High Court rules that consensual relationships between minors of close age should not automatically be treated as defilement, urging contextual handling by police and prosecutors.