In a troubling revelation, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reported that a significant number of men and male children are unwilling to report cases of sexual abuse.

This reluctance stems from societal stigma and a pervasive fear that police will not take adequate action.

Speaking at a recent workshop in Diani, Kwale County, organised by the International Justice Mission (IJM) on gender-based violence against women and children, Head of Anti-human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit at DCI Mueni Mutisya highlighted the pressing need for a change in perception and reporting mechanisms.

"The majority of the cases we are handling involve boys. Many of these cases are reported through the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children-NCMEC-platform because many boys, as well as men, do not come forward when such incidents occur. They believe that police officers will not take action to address these cases," Ms Mutisya explained.

She emphasized that since the establishment of the DCI's Children's Interests Unit in 2019, no case has been dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

"I can confidently say that not a single case has been dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence since this unit was formed," she stated, offering some reassurance to potential victims who might be hesitating to report.

The data reveals a grim reality: approximately 95 percent  of reported victims of sexual abuse are boys. Yet, the stigma attached to male victim hood often leaves these children voiceless.

"It is critical for society to understand that boys can be victims too, and they deserve support," Ms Mutisya added.

The statistics surrounding child trafficking and sexual abuse are alarming.

Since July 2023, the DCI has adjudicated 53 cases of child trafficking, resulting in convictions, alongside 23 cases of child sexual abuse.

Furthermore, 21 cases of online sexual abuse have also been processed.

"These statistics reflect the cases we have actively followed up on until a judgment was delivered. However, many more cases remain pending in court," she noted.

This grim narrative comes on the heels of a 2021 IJM study, which revealed that approximately 7,000 children are involved in sex trafficking in the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale.

The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat not only the trafficking, but also the broader issues of abuse and exploitation affecting children, particularly boys.

Advocates and stakeholders gathered at the workshop called for increased awareness and education to dismantle the stigma surrounding male victimisation.

"We need to create an environment where boys feel safe to report abuse without fear of judgment or disbelief," urged Kwale Resident Magistrate Lilian Lewa.

Adding that education is key to changing societal attitudes.

She also emphasized the need of child friendly spaces in police stations to allow the reporting of sexual abuse cases.

The DCI's efforts, alongside organisations like IJM, aim to foster a culture of reporting and support for all victims, regardless of gender.

"Through collaboration with various stakeholders, we have managed to gather crucial information on these cases, but we need more voices to speak up," Ms Mutisya emphasized.