Written by Alice Njoki
A new report on child sexual exploitation and abuse in Kenya has revealed worrying trends, including a rise in cases of sexual violence affecting both boys and girls.
According to the report, sodomy and defilement now account for 57 percent of reported sexual violence cases involving children. The findings have raised concern among child protection agencies, researchers, and government officials who say more needs to be done to keep children safe.
The report highlights a troubling trend involving boys. For the first time, cases of sodomy against boys have been identified as one of the leading forms of sexual violence against children in the country. Researchers say the growing number of cases shows that boys, just like girls, are vulnerable to abuse and need greater protection.
Girls continue to face significant risks. The report found that girls aged between six and eleven years are the most affected, accounting for 39 percent of reported cases. Adolescents aged 16 to 18 years account for 25 percent of cases, while children aged 12 to 15 make up 21 percent. These findings show that children of different age groups remain vulnerable to sexual abuse.
The report also examined other forms of child sexual exploitation. Child trafficking for sexual exploitation accounts for 10 percent of cases, while the use of children in pornography accounts for 9 percent. Researchers say these crimes often leave children with long-term emotional, psychological, and social effects.
Another concern raised in the report is the identity of perpetrators. Male neighbours were identified as the leading perpetrators of sexual violence against children, followed by close family members. Men aged between 18 and 35 years were linked to 30 percent of reported cases, while individuals below the age of 18 accounted for 26 percent.
Child rights advocates are now calling for faster handling of child abuse cases and stronger protection systems. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has urged that cases involving child abuse should be dealt with through the justice system and not settled informally, saying every child deserves access to justice.
Experts say protecting children requires the involvement of parents, schools, communities, law enforcement agencies, and government institutions. They are calling for increased awareness, better reporting mechanisms, child-friendly support services, and stronger enforcement of laws designed to protect children from abuse.