BBC Stands by Kenya Child-Sex Trafficking Investigation Amid Government Allegations

Tue Oct 21 2025 03:46:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The BBC has reaffirmed the legitimacy of its investigation into child exploitation in Kenya following the government's claims that the documentary was a fabrication.

The BBC's Africa Eye documentary exposing child-sex trafficking in Kenya has been met with backlash from government officials, who label the investigation as a "hoax." The broadcaster maintains that the interviewees were adults recounting past abuse, not minors, and insists that no financial incentives were offered for their stories.

The BBC has defended its investigation into child sexual exploitation in Kenya, following claims from the government that the documentary was a "hoax." Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described the investigation as "fake," asserting that interviewees were not actually underage and were only "posing as children." In response, the BBC clarified that the individuals featured in the documentary are adults sharing experiences of abuse they suffered as minors.

The broadcaster emphasized that they did not provide any financial compensation to the individuals who participated in the documentary. “For clarity, none of the contributors featured in this film were paid, offered payment or 'coached' in any way," the statement read. The BBC also noted that it had shared evidence from its investigation with Kenyan law enforcement back in March, and followed up to ensure that children at risk would be safeguarded.

During his parliamentary address, Murkomen defended the Kenyan government's efforts concerning child protection, highlighting its seriousness towards trafficking cases. He criticized the documentary, suggesting its intention was to "besmirch" Kenya's reputation. The investigation, published on August 4, has garnered over a million views on YouTube and showcases the alarming trafficking of underage girls in the transit town of Maai Mahiu, a hub for truck drivers.

Footage within the documentary featured two women who confessed to trafficking minors, with one woman, Nyambura, stating that underage girls are easily manipulated. The film shines a light on the troubling normalization of prostitution in the area, labeling it as a 'cash crop.'

In light of the documentary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions initiated an investigation, entrusting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations with the task. However, the BBC raised concerns regarding the treatment of survivors during the investigative process, noting they were interviewed without legal counsel. As of now, the two women implicated in the trafficking have not been captured, with Murkomen indicating that authorities have yet to locate them.