Education stakeholders in Nyamira County have raised concern over increasing cases of child kidnappings, defilement and killings, calling on the government to take urgent action to protect children and restore safety in communities.
Speaking at Kiabonyoru Primary School on Tuesday, Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi said most of the victims are primary school girls and urged women to take a leading role in combating the vice. She noted that many of the crimes are allegedly committed by people close to the victims.
“It is disturbing that children are no longer safe even in their own homes. Most of these acts are committed by individuals the children know and trust. Some suspects are even linked to satanic practices, and this cannot be allowed to continue,” Momanyi said.
The legislator spoke during an event where she distributed sanitary towels to schoolgirls. She urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report incidents promptly instead of concealing them.
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Teachers and education officials attending the event warned that the crimes are negatively affecting learning outcomes, noting that survivors of defilement often miss school due to trauma, stigma and medical complications, with some dropping out altogether.
“Defilement destroys a child’s confidence and sense of safety. Learners living in fear cannot concentrate in class. We are witnessing increased absenteeism, withdrawal and, in some cases, teenage pregnancies that cut short education,” a teacher said.
Momanyi also expressed concern over the growing number of idle school leavers, warning that unemployment and lack of engagement expose young people to criminal activities.
She encouraged the youth to venture into self-employment and join sports programmes to build productive lives.
During the event, the lawmaker donated Ksh134,400 to boda boda and women’s groups to support table banking initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods. She also issued sports kits, including jerseys, balls and first aid supplies, to promote youth participation in sports and talent development.
In Bogichora Ward, retired teacher Slonus Bundi urged young people to enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to acquire practical skills for employment.
“I urge our youth to take advantage of TVET opportunities. Learn skills such as carpentry, electrical work, mechanics or agriculture to secure your future. Spending time in illicit drinking dens will only ruin lives,” Bundi said.
He warned that the consumption of illicit alcohol was contributing to insecurity, health complications and family breakdowns in the area. According to Bundi, the effects include liver and kidney damage, blindness caused by methanol poisoning, mental health challenges, increased gender-based violence and school dropouts.
Stakeholders called on the Ministry of Interior, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Children’s Department to expedite investigations and prosecutions related to child abuse cases. They also appealed to the Ministry of Education to strengthen psychosocial support programmes in schools to help affected learners recover and remain in class.
Momanyi said community awareness, stronger child protection measures and economic empowerment must go hand in hand to address the crisis effectively.
“We cannot build an educated generation if our girls are living in fear. The government must act now to protect our children and create opportunities that will keep our youth on the right path,” she said.
By Enock Okong’o
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