Child Sex Trafficking Pandemic of the 21st Century in Kenya

Abstract

We have all seen films that portray the dark and lurid world of human trafficking defections that seem sensationalized and exaggerated for cinematic effects. Yet, it never occurs to our minds that this is happening in front of our doorsteps. Globally, children are estimated to account for 29% of human trafficking. Child trafficking involves the “recruitment, supply, transfer, harboring, illegal adoption, and receipt” of a child for commercial sex or forced labour exploitation. Child trafficking comprises the main category of trafficking cases in Kenya, and children have been known to be trafficked for sexual purposes, particularly along the coastal region. In Kenya, child trafficking happens inaudibly within the communities and families due to poverty, lack of access to education, unemployment, HIV & AIDS, and related orphans, and weak laws and policies for child protection. The coastal region’s financial dependence on tourism, which tends to attract individual travelers, may exacerbate the sexual exploitation of children. Addressing the phenomenon of child sex trafficking has proven difficult because of the presence of the use of private villas for sexual exploitation and the reluctance of law enforcement to inhibit effective child protection. The vital call to individuals, communities, and leaders is to promote a child-friendly environment that makes families move out of poverty and ignorance.