Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the disturbing revelations aired in a recent BBC documentary exposing child sexual exploitation in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County.

The exposé, which has triggered national outrage, revealed an underground child trafficking network, prompting a strong response from government officials.

Murkomen, speaking in Kericho during a Jukwaa la usalama in Kericho on August 7, 2025, described the crime as serious and unacceptable, vowing to take immediate and concrete steps to curb the menace. “Trafficking in persons, including children for sexual exploitation, as recently exposed by the BBC, is a serious crime we are confronting,” he said.

He further announced plans to expand the Anti-Narcotics Unit to include a specialised team tackling sex trafficking cases.

Special unit

To enhance enforcement, Murkomen revealed that the next recruitment within the National Police Service will include officers specifically trained to deal with trafficking cases involving both adults and children. “In the next NPS recruitment, we will factor in a section of police to deal with trafficking in persons,” he stated.

The Interior CS also called attention to related crimes such as gender-based violence and defilement, particularly in counties like Kericho. He urged families and communities to break the culture of silence. “We urge the public to help in reporting such cases, especially where family members are the perpetrators,” he added.

To protect victims and whistleblowers, Murkomen pledged that the government will establish witness protection mechanisms, reinforcing efforts to ensure justice is served.

Crackdown

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, and Children Services, Hanna Cheptumo, echoed Murkomen’s concerns and launched a nationwide crackdown targeting child predators. “These acts are a gross violation of child rights under the Children Act 2022, the Constitution, and international laws,” she stated.

Cheptumo revealed that hotspots have been identified, and investigations are ongoing. “Any offenders found culpable shall be dealt with by the law,” she said. Survivors are being offered medical, psychosocial, and reintegration support through child protection centres and safe shelters.

ODPP’s stance

Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate the claims within seven days. The ODPP emphasised the constitutional duty to protect children and pursue justice.

The coordinated response reflects the government’s resolve to dismantle trafficking networks and protect Kenya’s children from exploitation.