Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has claimed that the children interviewed in the BBC child sexual exploitation documentary may have falsified their ages.
The CS alleged that some of the individuals featured were not underage but mature people posing as minors.
The documentary, "Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade," aired recently and revealed disturbing accounts of underage girls allegedly exploited for sex.
It highlighted how children, some reportedly as young as 12, are lured into the trade under the control of so-called “madams.”
According to the BBC Africa Eye investigation, the transit town of Maai Mahiu in Kenya’s Rift Valley, a key transport hub 50km east of Nairobi, is known for prostitution and is reportedly a hotspot for child sexual abuse.
Speaking before the National Assembly on Wednesday, Murkomen, however, clarified that his comments on the documentary do not mean that sexual exploitation of children does not exist in Kenya.
“The entire report was fake, because the people who were interviewed were not underage. That is not to say there may be no cases of sexual exploitation of young people in the country,” he said, adding that he had reviewed the identities, pseudonyms, and backgrounds of those featured in the documentary.
Murkomen also noted that security agencies, including the anti-trafficking unit, have made significant efforts to manage such incidents.
“But we still have cases of human trafficking, including young people coming from neighbouring countries who pass through Kenya. They may not be underage, but they may also be lured for jobs abroad and face exploitation,” he said.
The CS said Kenya continues to grapple with human trafficking issues.
The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into alleged child exploitation in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County, following the BBC Africa Eye documentary. In a statement signed by Spokesperson and Director of Corporate Communication Múchiri Nyaga, the NPS said it is treating the matter with “urgency and gravity.”
“We recognise the urgency and gravity of the issues raised and are treating them with the seriousness they deserve,” the statement read.
“The NPS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s children and ensuring that those who exploit or harm them face justice.”
Lobby groups have condemned the alleged child trafficking and sexual exploitation network exposed in the documentary.
The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) called for urgent action from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the National Police Service to investigate and prosecute perpetrators and dismantle the networks involved.
The organisation also urged government agencies, particularly the Department of Children’s Services, to implement measures to prevent recurrence, strengthen victim protection, and address systemic weaknesses.
