CHILD ABUSE AND PERSONAL SECURITY OF CHILDREN IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA
CHILD ABUSE AND PERSONAL SECURITY OF CHILDREN IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA
Daniel Kurash Kirisiet - Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Cyprian Kavivya - Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Child abuse remains a persistent social challenge that undermines the personal security and overall well-being of children in Kenya. Despite numerous legal and policy frameworks established to protect children's rights, many continue to face various forms of abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. This research aimed to explore child abuse and its effect on personal security of children in Kajiado County, Kenya. Specifically, the study identified and established causes of child abuse, and effects of child abuse on personal security. The study was guided by Control Theory, General Strain Theory and Attachment Theory. A total of 88 participants were selected from a target population of 721, and the research adopted a descriptive approach. To select the most appropriate subgroups that would accurately reflect the entire population, the research utilized a mix of probability and non-probability techniques. For data collection, focus groups, structured interviews, and questionnaires were utilized. The analysis of the data involved descriptive statistics like percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations, in addition to content analysis. The collected responses were organized into tables and graphs for comparison and further analysis. The factors causing child abuse were cultural practices like child marriages, moranism and FGM. Personal factors included lack of interest in education and lack of knowledge on children rights as well as fear to cause family conflicts by reporting. Child abuse has been identified as a significant contributor to various life stressors and challenges, including feelings of insecurity, suicidal ideation, strained social relationships, increased substance abuse, early pregnancies, school dropouts, child marriages, and long-lasting trauma. To address this issue, proactive strategies have been proposed, including the prosecution of offenders, community education on child abuse and children’s rights, encouraging reporting to authorities and the media, establishing children’s rescue centers, and creating sponsorship programs for underprivileged youth. The study recommends that the government and stakeholders should intensify efforts to facilitate the reporting of child abuse cases. Regular community sensitization programs should be implemented to raise awareness about the causes and effects of child abuse, as well as the available channels for reporting and accessing justice. Such initiatives are crucial for reducing the prevalence of child abuse and ensuring the safety and security of children both now and in the future.
