STRATEGIC PLATFORMS

CHILD PROTECTION

The commercial sexual exploitation of children in coastal areas exposed in this report is a shocking violation of their rights, and a reflection of the profound risk potentially faced by all children in Kenya. Some ten to fifteen thousand girls living in coastal areas of Malindi, Mombasa, Kalifi and Diani are involved in casual sex work – up to 30% of all 12-18 year olds living in these areas. A further two to three thousand girls and boys are involved in full-time year round commercial activity. Many full-time child sex workers have migrated to the coast from other parts of the country, and have often been inaugurated into sex work before they arrive. The sexual exploitation of children is not limited to coastal areas or to tourists, but can be found in communities across Kenya. About one in ten children involved in sex work are initiated before they reach puberty.

Examples :Diani Beach in Msambweni Sub county of Kwale County is a key Hotspot with mushrooming beach party and drinking dens – area is world reknown for its beautiful beach of its kind in Africa. ( under age girls remain the main victims)