NCJ Number
186927
Date Published
2001
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides an overview of the nature and prevalence of child abuse in Kenya, as well as the response to it.
Abstract
Following a demographic profile of Kenya, including the infant mortality rate, this chapter presents a brief case study of abusive child labor practices in Kenya. A history of various forms of child abuse in Kenya is followed by an overview of present-day child abuse in Kenya. A section on the causes of child abuse focuses on poverty and family instability. Also included in the chapter are sections on the nature of the child protection system in Kenya and the response of Kenyan law to child abuse in the Constitution, the Children and Young Persons Act, the Penal Code, and the Employment Act. Remaining sections address the involvement of children in the legal system, legal innovations and legislative reforms pertinent to child abuse, and legal ramifications for perpetrators of child abuse. Historically, the abuse and neglect of children has not been perceived as a serious problem by Kenyan society, even though female genital mutilation, forced labor, physical punishment, and child marriage were common. Sexual abuse, abandonment, neglect, and child prostitution have recently emerged and are increasing rapidly. The response to poverty and family instability that have contributed to child abuse has been launched primarily by nongovernmental organizations. The legal response to incidents of child abuse has been limited; however, the proposed Children's Bill, if enacted, should provide some hope for child protection in Kenya. 24 references