The Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV) has expressed concern over revelations in a recent BBC Africa Eye documentary.
The documentary, MADAM: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade, aired on August 4 and contained footage allegedly showing minors being recruited into commercial sex work in Mai Mahiu.
According to CASV, some of the minors were reportedly as young as 13 and were being recruited by individuals referred to as “madams.”
In a statement on August 11, CASV stated that the footage had been available to investigative authorities.
“The persistent silence and willful disregard of such damning evidence continue to endanger the safety and well-being of children, families, and entire communities,” the coalition stated.
CASV further said that lack of enforcement undermines efforts to hold those responsible to account and constitutes a violation of children’s rights as outlined in the Constitution of Kenya, the Children Act (2022), the Sexual Offences Act (2006), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The coalition noted that the exposé highlighted serious offences, including sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors, sexual grooming, defilement, abuse, and exposure to health risks.
“The state bears the ultimate responsibility for upholding the dignity, safety, and welfare of all children in Kenya, regardless of their socio-economic background or location,” the statement read.
CASV called for immediate arrests and prosecutions of those featured in the documentary, as well as urgent protection and support for survivors.
“The survivors must be placed in safe housing, offered medical checkups and trauma counselling, legal assistance and supported to rebuild their lives without stigma,” the coalition said.
The group also urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to launch a formal inquiry and called for increased government investment in grassroots child protection systems.
The statement urged relevant government bodies, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the National Council for Children’s Services, and the National Police Service, to act urgently and transparently.
“Let this not be just another moment of outrage,” the coalition concluded.
“The courage shown by survivors, whistleblowers and journalists must be met with equal courage by our institutions. The children of Mai Mahiu and across the country deserve better.”
The statement was supported by several organisations, including the Wangu Kanja Foundation, Oxfam, Utu Wetu, Advocates for Social Change Kenya, and the African Gender and Media Initiative.
