NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has launched an urgent multi-agency operation in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County, following the release of a BBC Africa Eye documentary exposing child sexual exploitation in the town.
The hard-hitting documentary, “Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade,” aired this week and has drawn widespread outrage for revealing the trafficking and abuse of underage girls by organised criminal networks operating in plain sight.
In a statement released Wednesday, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the agency is treating the matter with the “seriousness it deserves,” confirming that a specialised team including officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU) has been deployed to the area.
“So far, statements have been taken from three persons of interest,” the police said.
“Immediate steps have also been taken to identify, rescue, and support the affected children. Investigations are ongoing, with the aim of arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.”
PRESS STATEMENT : NPS RESPONSE TO BBC AFRICA EYE DOCUMENTARY ON CHILD EXPLOITATION AT MAAI MAHIU, NAKURU COUNTY
Online Child Exploitation Rising
The police also acknowledged the growing danger of online child sexual abuse, noting that Kenya has established the first forensic cybercrime unit of its kind in Africa, connected directly to INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database.
“This unit, staffed by cybercrime experts, works closely with the International Victim Identification Network (VIN) to identify and rescue children depicted in exploitative content,” the statement read.
Constitutional Mandate to Protect Children
The response is anchored in Article 53(1) of the Kenyan Constitution and the Children Act (2022), which affirm the right of every child to protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all cases of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and related crimes are fully investigated.
Public Urged to Report Abusers
The NPS is calling on members of the public to report any information related to the trafficking and abuse network, promising confidentiality and multiple avenues for anonymous tips.
Citizens can reach out through toll-free numbers 999, 112, 0800 722 203, the hashtag #FichuakwaDCI, or the encrypted WhatsApp line 0709 570 000.
“We must reaffirm a fundamental tenet: that our children are our future,” the police said.
The BBC documentary, which featured undercover footage and testimonies from survivors, has intensified scrutiny on the government’s efforts to combat child trafficking.
Human rights groups have praised the swift police response but urged long-term action to dismantle trafficking rings and protect vulnerable communities.
