It Takes Us All

Child neglect occurs When a person who is responsible for a child fails to care for the minor's emotional and physical needs.

The Constitution of Kenya (Article 53) recognizes the need for all children to be protected from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, all forms of violence, inhumane treatment and punishment, and hazardous or exploitative labour.

Child Marriage is any marriage before the age of 18. Behaviours associated with outdated gender roles, rites of passage customs, religion, poverty, lack of education are some of the causes of child marriage.

Although the Constitution of Kenya and all children’s laws have banned child marriage, one out of every four girls in Kenya is married before her 18th birthday. Child brides face an increased risk of violence, abuse and exploitation.

Sexual violence can be anything ranging from direct physical contact, to unwanted exposure to sexual language and images. It often occurs in places where children should feel safest – such as their neighbourhoods, homes or schools.

It is a worrying statistic that about 18% of boys and 32% of girls in Kenya, report having experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. Sexual violence is one of the most severe violations of children’s rights and has many negative physical, psychological and social consequences.

In Kenya, the prevalence of child pregnancy was estimated at 21% by the year 2014. Child pregnancy is a sign and result of sexual violation of a child. When a child becomes pregnant, their chances of pursuing education are threatened, often leading to many other significant immediate and long term consequence in life. The pregnant girl’s health together with the unborn child usually faces significant health risks.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)is the practice or procedure involving partial or total removal of the external female genital organs. FGM has no health benefits whatsoever. Instead, it poses health risks for women and girls.

Some of the reasons given for the practice of FGM is for cleansing, religious beliefs, preservation of sexual purity and as a prerequisite for marriage.

Although it is against the law to perform female genital mutilation (FGM) in Kenya. The prevalence of FGM, 21% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 in Kenya are have experienced it. Communities that practice FGM often do so, before the girls reach 18 years of age.

Child neglect occurs When a person who is responsible for a child fails to care for the minor's emotional and physical needs.

The Constitution of Kenya (Article 53) recognizes the need for all children to be protected from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, all forms of violence, inhumane treatment and punishment, and hazardous or exploitative labour.