NAIROBI, Kenya — Senior counsel Paul Muite has called for a review of Kenya’s child adoption laws, particularly adoptions by foreigners, in light of revelations in the so-called Epstein Files involving child trafficking, abuse, and murder.
In a post on his official Twitter account on Monday, Muite highlighted concerns over the welfare of Kenyan children adopted abroad.
“These Epstein Files, child trafficking for sex, unbelievable abuse, including murder, his Kenyan connection, isn’t it time we revisit adoptions of Kenyan children by foreigners? Do our Embassies around the globe follow up on these adopted children to ensure their welfare?” he tweeted.
Muite’s comments come amid global scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities, which included the trafficking and sexual abuse of minors.
While theEpstein Files primarily focus on the United States and Europe, Muite stressed the need to examine potential risks for Kenyan children adopted internationally.
Legal experts say Kenya’s adoption laws, under the Children Act, 2001, provide for both local and inter-country adoptions but require vetting, background checks, and approval by the Children’s Department and courts.
International adoptions also involve oversight by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and compliance with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.
However, Muite suggested that existing oversight mechanisms may be insufficient once children leave Kenya, calling for embassies and government agencies abroad to track the welfare of adopted children.
“The welfare of Kenyan children should remain paramount even after adoption,” Muite said. “We must ensure no child falls through the cracks once they are abroad.”
Child rights advocates say inter-country adoption has historically offered opportunities for vulnerable children but has also faced criticism over gaps in post-adoption monitoring.
They note that more robust follow-up mechanisms are necessary to prevent abuse and exploitation.
