Homa bay: The department of children in Homa Bay has raised concern over an emerging trend of child radicalization and increasing cases of neglect and abuse across the region. County Coordinator of Children Services, Kiribwa Kennedy, warned that certain religious sects are influencing children to abandon school and avoid medical care, putting their well-being at risk.
According to Kenya News Agency, the incidents were reported around the Rodi area towards Rongo, where authorities intervened swiftly with support from the Kenya Police Service and the office of the County Commissioner. Kiribwa confirmed that the situation has since been neutralized, but security teams remain on high alert. He urged members of the public to report such incidents to protect children.
Data from the Child Protection Information Management System shows that 10,200 cases were reported in the last financial year. The majority, about 70 percent, fall under neglect, custody disputes, maintenance issues, and defilement. Kiribwa pointed out Rachuonyo East, Suba North, and Suba South sub-counties as areas with high prevalence rates.
Ndhiwa was identified as a hotspot for defilement, early marriages, and gender-based violence involving children. Kiribwa attributed the rising cases largely to tough economic conditions and fragile family structures. He explained that many families are struggling to make ends meet, affecting their ability to care for children, and noted that unstable marriages often leave children stranded.
Despite the growing workload, the department faces a shortage of personnel. Homa Bay has 12 sub-counties, but children’s officers are only enough to cover nine, leaving gaps in service delivery. Currently, the department relies on 62 child protection volunteers to support their work.
To strengthen child protection efforts, the department has launched several initiatives, including the formation of the Kenya Children Assembly Homa Bay Chapter to empower children. Plans are also underway to establish a child rescue centre in Ndhiwa Sub-County and a toll-free helpline, 116, has been introduced for children in distress.
Kiribwa called for increased collaboration and community involvement, acknowledging the role of internal security agencies in supporting child protection efforts. He emphasized that protecting children is a shared responsibility.
