NAIROBI, Kenya – A new report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has raised serious concerns over the safety and protection of children in Kenya, revealing a disturbing increase in cases of child displacement and trafficking.
In 2024, 3,816 children were reported as displaced, a significant rise compared to just 101 cases in the previous year.
Meanwhile, 2,031 children were identified as victims of trafficking, showing an unsettling trend of children being stripped of their safety and freedom.
The report highlights the vulnerability of children, who are bearing the brunt of worsening social and economic pressures.
It reveals that violence against children remains a major issue, accounting for 72.7% of total child protection cases, though it showed a slight decrease from the previous year.
Other concerning statistics include 27,832 reported child custody matters, 679 children in need of registration, and 4,468 children in conflict with the law.
Despite the alarming rise in child protection cases, the report also shows a worrying decline in support services.
The number of cases involving vulnerable children reported to the Directorate of Children Services dropped by 10.8%, from 189,867 in 2023 to 169,303 in 2024.
Additionally, the number of repatriation, reunification, and legal process cases fell sharply.
While some progress has been made in terms of resolving pending child protection cases, the overall picture remains bleak.
The report emphasizes that children continue to face insecurity, with many having limited access to protection and support services.
The report also highlights broader social changes, including a drop in work permit issuance, an increase in Kenyan passport applications, and a rise in the number of refugees and asylum seekers in the country, many of whom are children.
