During school breaks, when classrooms sit empty and the school environment deserted, a disturbing shadow emerges, often unnoticed and unspoken—sexual violence against children, a scourge that thrives during these periods of supposed respite from formal education.
This alarming trend is not confined to Kenya alone. It is a global concern that demands serious interventions. Although the Sexual Offences Act of Kenya offers thorough legal measures to tackle sexual violence, statistics from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 indicate that a significant portion of the population continues experiencing such atrocities, with children being in the lead.
Nearly half of females (about 46 per cent) report being victims of sexual violence, while six per cent of male children endure sexual exploitation. Shockingly, a staggering 62 per cent of children encounter multiple instances of sexual violence before turning 18.
Adolescents are vulnerable during these breaks, as they often find themselves preyed upon by perpetrators of defilement. The absence of a structured and protective environment provided by schools leaves them exposed to exploitation by predators.
Tragically, defilement cases surge during school holidays, with perpetrators frequently being individuals close to the victims, such as family members and relatives. The lack of a safeguarding environment and the absence of secure settings like schools leave children susceptible to exploitation and abuse.
Parents, who should provide supervision and protection, often fall short during school breaks, leaving their children vulnerable to harm. Compounding this issue are the so-called 'Romeo and Juliet' relationships among school-going children, which can lead to defilement cases where both parties are perpetrators.
The consequences of these acts become evident upon the resumption of school, with increased instances of teenage pregnancies and diminished academic performance among affected girls.
The ripple effects of sexual violence against children are profound and far-reaching. It not only disrupts their education, leading to redundancy in class and eventual dropout from school, but it also contributes to a host of social problems, including poverty, insecurity, child marriage and teenage pregnancies.
The victims of such violence suffer immense emotional, psychological and physical trauma. The government should enact stricter measures in collaboration with regional children's offices, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to combat sexual exploitation and raise awareness among children about the risks of exploitation.
Specifically, there is a critical need to address sexual exploitation during school breaks. To tackle this issue, targeted awareness campaigns should be launched in vulnerable communities, and partnerships with local NGOs and community leaders should be strengthened.
Teachers should receive comprehensive training to identify signs of sexual exploitation, and safe spaces and recreational programmes should be established for children during breaks to mitigate their vulnerability.
Additionally, improved coordination among government agencies, law enforcement and social services is vital for prompt responses to exploitation cases. These efforts will help create a safer environment for children during school breaks.
Naya Kenya youth advocate