ODPP ramps up efforts to tackle online child abuse
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 28, 2025The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in collaboration with International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya’s Centre to End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children, has launched a comprehensive training program aimed at strengthening Kenya’s response to online child sexual abuse.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in collaboration with the @IJMKenya (IJM) Centre to End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children, has launched a comprehensive training program for prosecutors to strengthen Kenya’s response to online child sexual abuse.” ODPP said.
The training, which officially commenced on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Nairobi, will run for five days and has brought together 25 specialised prosecutors from the ODPP’s Child Justice Unit alongside law enforcement officers.
The programme seeks to enhance their capacity to handle CyberTipline reports, digital evidence, and victim-centred prosecutions effectively.
“The five-day training in Nairobi has brought together 25 specialised prosecutors from the ODPP’s Child Justice Unit and law enforcement officers to enhance their skills in handling CyberTipline reports, digital evidence, and victim-centred prosecutions,” ODPP stated in a statement.
The ODPP underscored that online child sexual exploitation remains a serious violation of children’s rights, characterising it as pervasive, borderless, and deeply harmful.
The office noted that Kenya continues to face growing exposure to crimes such as grooming, live-streamed abuse, and the distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), as highlighted in reports from the U.S.-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Prosecutor’s role
The ODPP further indicated that prosecutors are at the forefront of combating these crimes and emphasised its commitment to ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. This includes pursuing robust legal action, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and employing trauma-sensitive approaches for child victims.
“As prosecutors, you are on the frontline of this battle,” Mr Ingonga stated. “The ODPP is committed to ensuring perpetrators are held accountable through robust legal action, cross-border cooperation, and trauma-sensitive approaches for child victims.” They added
As part of its broader efforts to protect children, the ODPP has established a dedicated Children Division and a specialised Child Justice Unit. The office has also set up child-friendly interview rooms in nine locations and increased its reliance on digital forensics to strengthen investigations and prosecutions in this area.