Editor's Review

NPS has issued a following the release of a BBC Africa Eye documentary that sheds light on the sexual exploitation of underage girls in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County.

The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a following the release of a BBC Africa Eye documentary that sheds light on the sexual exploitation of underage girls in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 6, the NPS acknowledged the severity of the revelations, and assured the public that law enforcement agencies are addressing the situation.

"The National Police Service (NPS) has taken note of the BBC Africa Eye documentary titled "Madams: Exposing Kenya's Child Sex Trade." We recognise the urgency and gravity of the issues raised and are treating them with the seriousness they deserve.

"In direct response to the documentary, a multi-agency team—including specialised officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU)—has been deployed to Maai Mahiu, where statements have been taken from three persons of interest. 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," the statement read.

File image of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja

Read More

  1. Over 20 Phones, Laptops Recovered as Police Arrest Suspect in Kisumu
  2. Ruto Makes New Nominations to the National Police Commission
  3. Why Those Who Burnt My Home, Killed My Livestock Were Freed from Custody - UDA MP

NPS further acknowledged the growing concern of digital exploitation, revealing that it has developed a new cybercrime unit to combat online child sexual abuse materials and identify victims.

"We also recognise the growing threat of online child sexual exploitation, which prompted the establishment of a dedicated forensic cybercrime unit—the first of its kind in Africa—linked 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 online content," the statement added.

NPS has called on members of the public to report any suspicious activity or information related to child exploitation networks.

"We urge all citizens to collaborate proactively with the NPS to achieve this goal. Anyone with information regarding this criminal network is encouraged to contact the nearest police station, a law enforcement officer, or use the following confidential and toll free numbers, 999, 112 #FichuakwaDCI, 0800 722 203 or the end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp number, 0709 570 000," the statement concluded.