The National Police Service (NPS) has launched an investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County, following disturbing revelations aired in a BBC Africa Eye documentary titled “Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade.”
In response to the documentary, a multi- agency team comprising specialized officers from the Anti- Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit(AHTCPU) has been dispatched to the area. According to the NPS, statements have already been recorded from three individuals of interest, which immediate action has been taken to identify, rescue and support affected children.
“These are urgent and grave matters and we are treating them with the seriousness they deserve,” the NPS said in a statement issued on 6th August 2025.
The operation is being spearheaded by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), operating under Article 53(1) of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Children Act (2022). The DCI has pledged a comprehensive probe into all cases of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and related offenses.
“Our commitment is to guarantee that every child grows up safely and has the opportunity to thrive. We must reaffirm this fundamental tenet: our children are our future,” the statement added.
The police also addressed the issue of online child sexual exploitation, noting that Kenya has established a dedicated forensic cybercrime unit. This unit -the first of its kind in Africa -is linked directly to INTERPOL’S International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database. Staffed by cybercrime experts, it works closely with the International Victim Identification Network (VIN) to track and rescue children depicted in exploitative online content.
The NPS is calling on the public to support ongoing investigations, urging anyone with information to report to the nearest police station, a law enforcement officer, or through confidential toll-free lines: 999, 112, or the FichuakwaDCI platform.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and ensuring perpetrators of exploitation are brought to justice.
