In Kenya, efforts to contain the coronavirus since the first reported case in March led to closure of schools on the 16th of the same month until to date. This has had diverse effects on the learners health, also exposing them to increased risk of violence, maltreatment, gender-based violence and sexual exploitation. The government went ahead with issuing directives that included working from home, no gatherings, partial lockdown, national dusk to dawn curfew that contributed to loss of income for some parents, isolation, high levels of stress and anxiety that the children experience and observed at home. Those children who already live in violent or dysfunctional situations have it worse. Some schools forced to continue education through online platforms has increased the exposure to a child on cyberbullying,risky online behavior and sexual exploitation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) said this in its twitter account on Tuesday 2nd June 2020: " ......as a cautionary measure, wishes to sensitize and inform parents, guardians and educational institutions on noted increase and disturbing trend on offenses against children, during this Covid-19 Pandemic times." This means parents need to be on high alert on the whereabouts of their children, monitor the content their consuming online, take responsibility and be more accountable for their children's welfare.
There are underlying factors from the government directive on the nationwide dusk to dawn curfew, loss of jobs, being broke may result to possible acts of crime.
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