Government Vows Action After Shocking Child Sex Abuse Exposé

• Aug 08, 2025

The Kenyan government has condemned the shocking sexual exploitation of children in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, as revealed by a BBC Africa Eye investigation.

Speaking on Thursday, August 7, Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo expressed outrage over the findings, describing the abuse as a severe violation of children's rights under Kenyan law and international frameworks. The investigation exposed how girls as young as 13 are being trafficked and sexually exploited in plain sight.

Cheptumo said she was “deeply disturbed” by the report, which showed how a network of women known as “madams” recruit and manage underage girls in Mai Mahiu—a town located along the busy Northern Corridor used by truck drivers travelling to Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. “This inhumane practice is a gross violation of child rights under the Children Act 2022, the Constitution of Kenya, and international child protection frameworks,” she said.

She added that the government “will not tolerate the abuse of vulnerable children for profit, pleasure, or gain by locals or foreigners alike.”

The exposé revealed disturbing scenes, including one where a woman named Nyambura boasted about luring minors with sweets and sneaking them out at night. She referred to child prostitution as a “cash crop” in Mai Mahiu, sustained by truckers and enabled by a community that appears to look the other way.

Evidence gathered by BBC reporters, including video footage, was reportedly handed over to the police in March, but no arrests have been made so far. Many suspects and victims have since gone missing, raising concerns about the police response and political will to address child sex trafficking.

In response, the Ministry has intensified surveillance through collaboration with cybercrime experts and a multi-agency team tackling human trafficking. Cheptumo confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and those found guilty will face the full force of the law.

Victims rescued through ongoing operations are receiving medical care, counselling, and reintegration support through government-run Child Protection Centres.

To prevent cross-border exploitation, Kenya is working closely with INTERPOL, neighbouring countries, and immigration departments. The government is also collaborating with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to fast-track cases under laws like the Sexual Offences Act and the Children Act.

Cheptumo acknowledged the difficulty of prosecuting these crimes due to victims’ fear of testifying, but urged for stronger witness protection, public education, and full enforcement of laws against profiting from prostitution.

“This is not just a criminal justice issue; it is a moral crisis. We must all rise in defence of our children,” she said.