FACTORS CONTRIBUTING

TO CHILD ABUSE IN
LANGAS ZONE.

NAME: CLAIR MUTORO

INDEX: 5781012324
COURSE: DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COURSE CODE: 2428
SUPERVISOR: Mr. BENEDICT OTIENO
INSTITUTION: ELDORET NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC

SUBMITTED TO: THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATION

COUNCIL IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR AWARD OF DIPLOMA
NI SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

SERIES: NOVEMBER, 2022

1
 DECLARATION
I declare that this research report is my original work and has never been submitted to any

University for any award where the works of the others have been cited acknowledgement

has been made.

Name: Clair Mutoro

Signature: …………………….

Date: …………………………

Declaration by supervisor:

This research project report has been submitted for examination with my approvals the
college course supervisor.

Name: Benedict Otieno

Signature: …………………..

Date: ………………………..

i
 DEDICATION
I dedicate this project to my parents and siblings and colleagues for their assistance,
encouragement and patience, which made this work successful.

ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The task of producing a project of this nature was not possible to accomplish the work

without the assistance of many people of all whom may not be able to acknowledge by name.

Finally, I wish to extend my thanks to members of my church for praying for me and above

all the Almighty God for giving me life and strength to press on.

iii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Distribution of respondents by age............................................................... 18

Table 2 Distribution of respondents by education level......................................... 19

Table 3 Marital status of respondents........................................................................ 20

Table 4 showing effects of child abuse......................................................................21

Table 5 Reasons to why children decided to visitchild rights office......................... 23

Table 6 Lecture themes during the seminar.............................................................. 25

iv
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Distribution of respondents by sex......................................................... 19

Figure 2 Sources of income of parents / caretakers................................................. 21

Figure 3 If there are offices in the district related to child rights......................... 22

Figure 4 If assisted when sought assistance in the office..................................... 23

Figure 5 If there are N.G.O’s advocating for child rights apart from children’s

office................................................................................................................ 24

Figure 6 Types of N.G.O’s................................................................................... 25

Figure 7What the government should do prevent child abuse................................. 26

v
LIST OF ABBREAVION AND ACRONYMNS

C.C.F. Christian Children Fund

F.G.M Female Genital Mutilation

H.I.V. Human Immune Deficiency Virus

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

N.GO. Non-Governmental Organization

UNICEF United Nations Children Education Fund

C.S.A. Child Sexual Abuse

M.O.E.S.T. - Ministry of Education Science and Technology

P.H.P. Physical and Humiliating Punishment

W.H.O. World Health Organization

NCCS National Children in Conflict Situation

vi
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Roaming - Walking and wandering aimlessly

Policies - Plan of action made by the government to curb child abuse.

Child - A person below 18 years of age.

Abuse - This is violence used to control or hurt someone

Child abuse - Violation of child rights

Neglect - This is failure to take proper care of oneself or someone

Rape - It is sexual course by force.

Emotional - Having to do with strong feelings

Maltreatment - Treating roughly or gully

Stress - An individual response to any demands made on him/her

vii
 ABSTRACT
This study is seeking to determine the factors contributing to child abuse in Langas.There had
been a concern that maltreatment by those taking care of children led the children in the area
not to go to school while others have dropped out. The study revealed different forms of child
abuse melted out on children in Langas by parents, teachers and guardians. Some of the abuse
were as a result of poverty, ignorance and deficiencies in protection of children while others
are seen as intentional. This prompted the researcher to investigate factors contributing to the
circumstance and how it can be rectified. The study was guided by three theories,
Psychoanalytic theory by Sigmund Freud, which explained the irresponsible behavior of
perpetrators of child abuse; Social learning theory by Albert Bandura, which explained the
effects of exposing children to abuse and Structural functionalism theory by Emily Durkheim
which explained that the community has a role to play in protecting children from abuse. A
survey design was used in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and
analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tabular form and pie chart. The target
population were five schools. It was noted that lack of awareness and advocacy of child rights
has led to child abuse. The use of drugs by parents and caretakers contributed to the problem.
Low income due to urbanization ,hard economic times which has led some people to direct
their priorities to other areas for sources of income like illicit brewing. The study results
would particularly be useful to the government, community leaders and NGOs to make sure
that child rights are advocated for in the society. The outcome will also help the government
in launching child line Kenya where children will be able to channel their problems through
the telephone directly without embarrassment from the perpetrators.

viii
 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction

This chapter contains the background information, statement of the problem and the

objectives of the study.

1.1 Background information.

Child abuse has been received in literature, art and science in many parts of the world’s

reports of infanticides, mutilation, abandonment and other forms of violation against children.

The highest homicide rate of children under five years of age according to WHO states that

17.9 % of every hundred thousand are boys and 12.7 % of every hundred thousand are girls

(W.H.O 2001).

This is also seen in United States where about 30 cases of physical abuse per million people

are reported each year. All normal families have disputes, suffer accidents and punish their

children for misdemeanors but child abuse fall outside boundaries of adult behaviour. It is not

a new problem. It has existed for centuries with varying degrees of acceptance by different

societies.

The exact number of children killed or injured is not known, but it is estimated that in Britain

between 3000 and 10,000 children are affected every year and the estimate for the average

number of deaths rage between 100 to 1000 yearly (Jean Brain et al, child care and health,

revised 3rd Edition 1989)

Kenya is not an exception in Kenya young children comprise 40 % of the population (Daily

Nation Nairobi Friday March 3, 1989) these are well over 10 million children. They are in the

hands of adults who either love and care for them or detest their preference and exploit or

1
abuse them. Dr. Philistia Onyango the Executive Director of ANPPCAN says many children

in Kenya are forced to work, to the severe, detriment due to emotional and physical neglect

by their concerned thus experiences a form of child maltreatment.

Hardly a day passes without reading notices or Newspaper reports of sexually molested

children (Mary Awiti 1987) it is believed that more than 1.7 million of children are out of

school system due to child labour and other social - cultural practices. This is supported by

the standard Monday April 30, 2007 by Solomon Loboso when it says that, insecurity and

traditional practices have denied over 30,000 children school. It further stated that many

young girls are forced into adulthood marriages after undergoing Female Genital Mutilation.

(F.G.M).

The Kenya Bureau of Statistics shows that 1.9 million working children are aged between

five years and seventeen years and other forms of child abuse have been estimate to be 50 %

of those subjected to child labour (Peter Ngare, Daily Nation, 15th November, 2006).

In langas information obtained from the sub-county children’s office shows that a total of

those children subjected to various forms of child abuse is twenty male and fifteen female

bringing a total of abuse children to be thirty five during the month of August 2006. The

menace has been experienced in many parts of the district who live below the poverty level.

Langas zone being one of the areas (District children office, case hold summary, August

2006). This zone has experienced case of child abuse and neglect. This is evident by the

number of children being employed as house helps, boys roaming streets of the town, young

girls practicing prostitution in town, young boys of school age looking after animals, young

girls who are married off at an early age, boys washing cars and others being water vendors.

2
1.2 Statement of the problem.

The greatest challenge to education in Langas Zone is child abuse. Many children in the area

have not joined school while others have dropped out. Children in the area due to poverty

have end up working as house helps, fetching water, looking after domestic animals and other

jobs so as to get money for their basic needs and that of their families.

They have been abused physically both at school and at home. This includes excessive

beating, caning, child labour and F.G.M. These are brought about by culture practiced in the

area. Due to illiteracy, parents abuse their children as they are not aware of child rights.

Education to them is not important at all.

Due to all these, parents do not bother to take their children to school; instead they make

them stay at home working for the family. For those who have joined school may go to

school once or twice a week. Parents and care takers should be made aware of all children’s

rights and the impacts of abusing them. The researcher therefore decided to carry out the

research to find out the factors contributing to child abuse and establish appropriate solutions.

1.3. Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study was to determine the factors contributing to child abuse in Langas

Zone, kapseret division.

1.4.1 General objective.

The researcher should be able to determine factors contributing to child abuse in

Langas zone, Kapseret Division.

1.4.2 Specific objectives

The researcher should be able to:-

3
 (i) To find out various causes of child abuse.

(ii) To determine the impacts of child abuse on the child’s health

(iii) To address the legislations governing children’s rights against child abuse.

1.5 Research questions

(i) What are the main causes of child abuse?

(ii) What are the impacts of child abuse on a child’s health?

(iii) Is there an office in the Kapseret sub-county catering fort the child’s rights?

1.6 Significance of the study.

The results of the study would help parents to know their children’s rights. Teachers and

other educators can use to solve the problems faced by children. Church leaders will protect

children from all sorts of abuses. It would also sensitize the community on the care and

provision of basic needs to their children. It would also help the government in policy making

and create awareness on children rights and protection. The study will make ECD centres

improve in that enrolment will be high thus making many children to get education.

1.7 Scope of the study.

The study was carried in four schools in Langas Zone, kapseret division in uasin gishu

county., namely Kapkenduiywo, Langas primary, Racecourse primary and Sosiani primary.

This place was chosen because it is a place where victims of child abuse is much experienced

and the researcher believed that it would give a fair result on the factors contributing to child

abuse. The duration was from the period of September to October 2002.

4
 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0. Introduction

Child abuse is defined as mistreatment of children by those instructed to take care of them. It

can be defined as the denial or violation of the child’s rights; this is according to Ministry of

Education Science and technology (2004).

A child is abused or neglected by parents due to poverty, unemployment, culture or illiteracy.

On the other hand, a child can be abused in school by teachers. An abused child can either be

physically or psychologically affected. This affects their early education e.g. joining school

late, drop out of school, perform poorly and engage themselves in truancy behaviour. This

can be discouraged by making people living with these children aware of child rights and safe

guarding the rights.

2.1. Causes of child abuse

Child abuse in any form usually takes place in the context of the family in support; various

studies indicate that abusing families experience higher levels of stress than nonabusing ones.

Iverson and Segan 1990:45 cite a study by Justice Calvet and Justice (1985) -that compared

23 non-abusing couples on stress levels and factors that mediate responsible to stress. They

argue that parents who abused their children were found to experience higher levels of stress.

Children of alcoholics deserve a special mention here. They live in a family which often

‘confused’ bewildered and afraid. According to their response characteristically become as

impaired as alcoholics (Kinney andJLeaton 1982: 27). They say that an atmosphere full of

conflict, tension and uncertainly, the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the child are

often not met adequately.

Nevertheless, some personality traits have been linked with child abuse. As regards, child

5
maltreatment, Iverson and Segal child abuse and neglect (1990) provide a profile of

personality types of abusive parents. They say that physical abuses have been found to be

impulsive, angry and social-pathic. They give an example of parents who neglect their

children also show behaviours of apathy, immaturity and dependence.

Physical or medical problems sometimes contribute to child abuse. Jones understanding child

abuse (1992) says that some abusive parents have been found to be epileptic easily irritated

by a child crying or easily arouses sexually by pictures of female or male children. Jones

(1992) also adds that in a few cases, abusive parents have a history of mental illness. He

gives an example of a parent in his warped mind may cut open the stomach to release evil

spirits he believes inhabit the child. He also says that some children have suffered features

from accidental fails or bums in an open fire because the mother is too depressed and hence a

sleep most of the time.

Some cultures have practices that encourage child abuse. (Core module-teaching and learning

in primary classroom 2001) cites female genital mutilation (FGM) that is practiced by some

ethnic communities as a physical abuse. UNICEF an exploration research and child sexual

exploitation in Kenya 1998) cites example of children married off when they are as young as

six years old by men who could be in their sixties. It reports that the determining factor is not

the man’s age or potency but his wealth.

2.2. Impacts of child abuse

Children subjected to child abuse develop a range of maladaptive antisocial and seif

destructive behaviours and thoughts by tiring to cope up with the abuse. Sexually abused

children have an increased frequency of poor esteem, depression, dissociative disorders and

substance abuse.

6
The outcome cases of child physical sexual abuse and neglect is multilateral depending on the

severity, duration and nature of the abuse and on the child vulnerabilities. Abused children

suffer from mental retardation, pervasive development disorders, physical disabilities,

destructive behaviour and attention deficit disorders. Some of the mental disorders such as

major depressive disorders suicidal behaviour, post-traumatic stress disorders and substance

abuse are some of the health effects experienced among those children who have been

subjected to child abuse (Benjamin J. Sadock, et, al, Clinical psychiatry 9th edition, 1996).

According to Finklhor and Brown (1985), he defined traumatic dynamics or effects of child

Sexual Abuse (CSA) as an experience that alters a child cognitive or emotional orientation to

the world or effective capacities. These effects include traumatic sexualization bringing about

un appropriate and dysfunctional sex in the child. Stigmatization dynamics in which usually

the child receives negative messages such as worthless, dirty and shameful (Robson, C.P. A

T., 2000).

2.3. Legislations of child abuse

The convention on the rights of the child set up in 1989 is a UN agreement that set basic

standards for children’s wellbeing. Those rights were broken by the UN agencies as: - 2.3.1:-

Survival rights.

This states that a child must be allowed t live from the time the mother is pregnant when the

mother gives birth and as the child is growing up. The Parents, community and the

government must ensure that the health of the unborn and the bom are taken care of. They are

entitled to medical services inoculations against diseases such as polio, typhoid, whooping

cough and other childhood diseases. They must be provided with adequate food that has

sufficient nutrients to make them healthy and grow.

7
 2.3.2. Child Development rights
These refers to the opportunities and means made available for children to go to school, play,

pursue careers of their choice an ability and be loved by the parents and be protected from

danger as they grow up. Particular attention should be given to the child’s development of his

or her personality, talents, mental and physical abilities to the fullest potential. They must be

allowed freedom but be guided by their parents.

2.3.3: Protection rights

The children must be protected by the government from anyone who may

❖ Want to use them for money - exploitation

❖ Use them to fake or sell drugs such as bhang, alcohol, miraa or cocaine

❖ Want to hurt them physically or emotionally/cruelty.

♦J* Want to separate them from the parents and their home.

❖ Cause danger or destroy their means of livelihood such as war, or other man-made

disaster.

8
 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter provides the methodology used in the research. It covered design, population

and sampling technique, instrumental data collection validity and data analysis procedure was

also captured in this chapter.

3.1 Research Design.

Research design is the plan strategy for conducting the study. The design used in this study

was surveyed design. This design was chosen particularly since it suits the zone which is

wide and deserves having fifteen schools, in order to establish the current factors contributing

to child abuse in Langas zone.

3.2. Area and Population of Study

The study area was Langas Zone in kapseret Division, uasin gishu. It is comprised of fifteen

schools. The population under study comprised sixteen (16) teachers and 24 pupils. That is to

say four teachers per school and six pupils per school. They were selected both purposively

and randomly. The zone was chosen because it is a victim of child abuse.

3.3. Sample Selection

The sample of the study was obtained from teachers and pupils from four primary schools out

of fifteen namely; Kapkenduiywo, Langas primary, Racecourse primary and Sossiani. The

sample size involved four teachers and six pupils from each school making a total of sixteen

(16) teachers’ and twenty-four (24) pupils.

9
3.4. Data Collection

The process of data collection began with seeking for permission from the intended schools.

This was followed by sending letters to the head teachers of the sampled schools for consent.

The researcher then presented the questionnaires to the respondents who completed and gave

them back to the researcher.

3.5. Validity And Reliability Of Research Instruments

Questionnaires were done in Kapkenduiywo, Langas primary, Racecourse primary and

Sosiani primaryPrimary Schools to test for its reliability.

3.6. Data Analysis

The data was done manually using scientific calculators and thereafter presented using pie

charts, bar graphs and frequency tables with the help of statistical packages for social

scientist (SPSS) computer programme to compute statistics and percentages.

3.7 Limitations of the study.

The researcher found it hard to collect and the questions visit the groups due to the poor

infrastructure in the zone. The response rate was also disturbed by insecurity as during the

time of the study, there was still tribal clashes in the area-caused by the last years general

elections in the country. Some respondents also delayed sending back the questionnaires

while others were unwilling.

10
 CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION

4.0 Introduction.

This chapter presents the findings, presentations and interpretation of the objectives and

research questions as carried out during the study.

4.1 Socio - Demographic data

Table 1: The distribution of respondents by age

Age bracket in years 10 - 19 - 2930 aboveTotal

7-9 18
No. of respondents 5 15 40
20
Percentages 12.5 %50% 37.5 % 100 %

Table 1 indicates that most of the respondents, 50 % were aged between 10-18 years, of the
respondents were aged 30 - above years while the lowest percentage which is 12.5 % were
aged between 7 - 9. This means that majority of respondents age lie between 10-18.

Figure 2: Distribution of respondents by sex

SEX

MALE
35%
FEMALE

65%

11
In figure I of 4.1.2 shows that the majority of the respondents were female represented by

65 % while the minority were male represented by 35 %

Table 2 — Distribution of respondents by education level

Education level No. of respondentsPercentage

Primary level 24 60%

Secondary level -

Above 0 level 40 %
16
Not attended school 0

Total 40 100 %

From the findings in the above table, it indicates that 60 % of the respondents had achieved

primary education while 40 % had achieved tertiary level had got above O level. This means

that the education level of the people in the area is still low.

Table 3: Marital status of respondents

Marital statusNo. of respondentsPercentage

Married 62.5 %
10
Single 12.5 %
2
1
Divorced 1 6.5 %

Widow 12.5 %
2
Widower 100 %
16
Totals 100 %
16

Table reveals that majority of the respondents represented by 62. 5 were married, 2 % were

single, 1 % were divorcees, 1 % were widows and the rest 1 % were widowers. This means

12
that majority of the respondents were married.

Figure 2: Sources of income for parents and caretakers

sources of income

40
44

4 12

Farming Illicit Brewing Tout OTHERS

The figure above indicates the findings of family’s sources income of parents or caretakers

that revealed that almost half of the parents or caretakers obtain their income through

different sources e.g. hawking of food stuff, car washing, vegetable vendors etc whereas the

40 % obtained their source of income from farming, 12 % obtain through engaging in illicit

brewing while the minority of the parents or caretakers which was 4 % engage in transport

sector as matatu touts. It also shows that due to poverty, many children in the area and up

being abused because their parents can not afford to provide their needs.

4.2T he causes of child abuse

13
 4.3. Health Impacts of child abuse

Table 4: Showing effects of child abuse

EFFECTS NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGES

Leads to suffering and pain 40%

16
Leads to stress and depression 30%
12
Causes Trauma 4 10%

Causes death 20%

8
Causes excitement

TOTAL 40 100%

The table shows that majority of the respondents which was 40% said that child abuse leads

to suffering and pain, 30% said that it causes stress and depression, 10% said that it causes

trauma while 20% talked of death. The finding proves that majority of the respondents are

well informed about the effects of child abuse.

4.4. Legislation

Figure 3 -if there are offices in the district related to child rights

14
Above half of the respondents i.e., 57 % confirmed that there is an office while 43 %

specified that they were no office in the district catering for child.

Table 5: Showing Reasons as to why children decided to visit child rights office

Reason No. of respondentsPercentage

Assaulted sexually by a 3 12.5 %
stranger
Denied food and chased 3 12.5 %

from home
Denied chance to attend school 3 12.5 %

Forcefully subjected to 4 16.7%

F.G.M
Others 11 45.8 %

Total 24 100 %

Majority of the respondents represented by 45.8 % had visited the office due to lack of

parental support and other emotional needs, 16 .7 % of them were subjected forcefully to

F.G.M, 12.5 % of them were assaulted sexually by strangers, 12.5 % also were denied food

and chased from home and another group of respondents represented by 12.5 % also were

denied chance to attend education

Figure 4: Showing If assisted when sought assistance in the office

15
The figure above reveals that almost three quarter of the respondents represented by 72 %

received assistance while slightly above a quarter i.e., 28 % do not receive the assistance.

Figure 5: Highlighting if there are N. G. O s advocating for child rights apart from

children’s office.

Slightly above % of the respondents representing 76 % confirmed that there were

N.G.O’s whereas those below 14 of the total respondents confirmed that there was none.

Figure 6: Showing Types of N.G.O’s

16
 □ World vision
B Action Aid Kenya
□ others
□ C.C.F

The survey
Kenya, %reveals
13 home
children’s thatknew
of them,
while 8half of
thethe
% knew respondents
existence
Action ofrepresenting
of C.C.F,
Aid 67 %
12 % knew
Kenya. ofknew world
Rehema vision of
sunshine
Table 6: Showing Lecture theme during the seminar.

Lecture theme No. o respondentsPercentage

Free education for all 2 12.5 %
Say no to sex and help fight 4 25%

against HIV / AIDS

Say no to any form of tradition 3 18.75 %
Others
practice 7 43.75 %
Total 16 100%

Almost half of the respondents representing 43.75 % revealed that they had different themes

during the lecture which include let’s preserve girls’ rights, keep our environment clean,

mosquito and malaria prevention strategies, 25 % confirmed that they were theme dealing

with absenteeism of sex as a way fighting against HIV / AIDS, 18.75 % emphasized on how

to fight the subjection of any cultural practice and the remaining 12.5 % had the theme on

education for all.

17
 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0 Introduction

The research work has studied factors contributing to child abuse in Langas zone, Kapseret

Division, Uasin Gishu. This chapter therefore gives a summary, conclusion and

recommendations of the study

5.1 Discussion

Low income, low education level and poverty are dominant characteristics of those living in

Langas zone. Langas zone like in urban areas in a developing country, illiteracy and poverty

coupled with other problems are the major contributing factors to child abuse as revealed by

the survey. This concurs with research done by Richard J. Gelles (Briteria kids encyclopedia).

On causes of child abuse, anti - social behaviour resulting from usage of drugs by parents and

caretakers often cited major factor which has led to upsurge increase of the problem. When

parents and caretakers engage themselves in drugs consumption in most cases result in

drunkard Ness and frustration. This was reflected in the study findings which indicated that

above half representing 53 % of the parents and caretakers use drugs such as alcohol,

cigarette smoking and khat. Alcohol emerged to be one of the popular drugs in the area as

revealed in the findings where 50 % of the respondents mentioned that their parents and

caretakers always enjoy the consumption of the stuff. Highlighting the health impacts of child

abuse which is multilateral depending on the severity, duration and nature of the abuse, also

on the child vulnerabilities. Stress, depression, trauma and death among other effects often

cited some of the major traumatic dynamic of the acts, Benjamin Sadock et al in their clinical

psychiatrist research (1996) Concerning the healthy effect of child abuse also revealed the

18
same. Therefore the current findings also concur with the initial findings from the

psychiatrist, since majority of the respondents cited the same healthy effects when one is

abused. However, it was observed from the findings that 60% of the respondents accepted

that child abuse always lead to suffering, pain and even may lead to death depending on the

magnitude of the problem.

On the legislation part of it, it was observed that failure in addressing problems affecting

children have been contributed by a number of factors which was noted in the findings that

52 % of the respondents had problems in tracing where the office was situated. In spite of

above half of them which was 57 % confirmed the existence of the children’s office that

caters for child rights, still they could not make use of the facility because they could not

locate.

The study also revealed that some N.G.O.’s have also come in to assist in conservation of

child rights in the community. It indicated that 76 % of the respondents knew of the existence

of several N.G.O.’s with World vision-Kenya representing 67 % of the total number of

N.G.O’s in the area.

These N.G.O’s have tried as much as possible to strengthen the legislation pertaining to the

promotion of child rights although it was evident that 54 % of the respondents had not

attended any seminar organized by the N.G O’s due to several factors cited by the

respondents. One of the factors was due to religion differences since the community

comprises of two sects. Some are Muslims and others are Christians but both N.G.O. s are

running under Christian sponsored programmes which in one way or another may decide to

take less concern from the other sect.

The respondents revealed from the findings that as a way of preventing child abuse, there

could be co-ordination between the government and the community and this was noted when

19
nearly half of the respondents representing 47 % expressed their need to involve the

community in the solving of these problems. 37 % of the respondents also cried for the

invitation of more N.G O .s to join in the other stakeholders in helping to break the backbone

of child abuse.

5.2 Conclusions

Lack of awareness and advocacy of child care has led to increase of child abuse, since the

respondents could not be able to express their problems to the public. Lack of food,

education, support and others were also discovered to have predisposed children to child

abuse in one way or another. Generally, low income due to urbanization, population

explosion has forced people from the rusting village move to urban centres in search of

employment and other essential services. However, this has led over utilization of the

resources within the area and this has made some people to direct their priorities to other

areas for sources of income like illegal brewing which was also a co - factor of child abuse in

Langas zone.

5.3 Recommendations

As per the findings of the survey the following recommendation are given to Langas zone as

a community, the local administration, the government, any, N.G.O. s agencies working

within the area: -

1) Lack of awareness on child rights that have made the area to be a living environment

for people who deny their children their rights. Therefore, the government,

community leaders and N.G.O. s should network and make sure that child rights are

advocated in the community.

2) The government through the ministry of education should ensure that child rights are

20
 advocated for in schools and other institutions as way of curbing down the problem of

child abuse.

3) In spite of the government introducing free and compulsory primary education.

Ministry of education together with other stakeholders should collaborate to ensure

that this is exercised folly by all concerned parents and make sure measures and laws

are instituted in the culprits who go against it.

4) It is also the duty of the government through the office of the provincial

administration and social services to ensure that children are taken care of and

furnished with the basic needs by carrying out surveillance, monitoring and evaluation

even within the grassroots as stipulated in the children Act Cap 586 Section 10 Cap

586 Sec 119 (b), Cap 586 Sec 12, Cap 586 Sec 119 (i) and Cap 586 119 (x) of 2001.

5) It is now through the department of children’s service, the government is committed

to protecting and promoting the rights of children by launching of child line Kenya

where children will be able to channel their problems through the telephone without

embarrassment from the perpetrators and therefore the government should ensure that

the information reaches the children in the village.

6) Generally the government together with other stakeholders is required to start an

establishment and organization of the committee on the rights and welfare of children

to promote and protect against child abuse.

21
 REFERENCES

AU African Charter on the rights and welfare of the child (1990).

Benjamin J. Sadock et al Clinical psychiatry 9th edition (1996)

Children’s Act Cap 586 - (2201).

Child rights organization, E.C.P.I.K part of E.C.P.A.T. - International

NePwork Research in Kenya (2003).

Daily Nation Newspaper Thursday - Save the Children’s World wide -

Day of Action to end violence against Children 19th October (2006).

Daily Nation Newspaper Nairobi Friday march 3rd (1989)

District Children’s office - case hold summary, Augustf 2006)

Evans Stark (1989) everything you need to know about.

Filkelhor,D (1984) - Child sexual abuse. New theory and Research - New York; the free

press.

Good News Bible - Proverbs 6:2-3

Hemfelt R (Dr) and Warren P (1990) - Kids who carry our pain,

Thomas Nelson publishers, Nashrille, Tennessee - USA

Introduction to children with special needs (2002).

IRIN,HIV/AIDS, weekly (2001).

Iverson and Segal (1990) - Child Abuse and Neglect -An information

reference guide Geiland and publishers New York.

James Barclay (1992) Child rape, a problem of men.

Jean Brain et al (1989) - Child, care and health revised 3 rd edition (1989).

Jean Molly D. Martin (1989) - Childcare and health.

Jones (1992) - Understanding child Abuse.

K.J. Umbima KMWA 3rd (1990) Child abandonment.

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Malcolm Levene, Jolly 6th Edition (1990) - Disease of children.

Ministry of Education Science and Technology (2004).

Ndetei - Daily Nation (1992) Medical column.

Peter Ngare, daily Nation, 15th November, 2006.

Robson E.C.P. AT. (2000).

Save the children, Canada, handbook on life skills development and Empowerment for girls

and Adolescence ((2001).

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UNICEF- (1998) -An exploration research on child sexual exploitation in

Kenya.

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World health Organization (WHO) (2001) - Report.

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 APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO CHILD ABUSE IN LANGAS ZONE,

Kapseret Division.

Instructions.

-Do not write your name

- Put a tick in the space provided against the answer

- Answer all questions appropriately.

Precaution statement.

The information obtained in this study shall be used for learning purposes only and shall be

treated with utmost confidentiality,

SECTION A

Background Information of Respondents

1). Age of respondent.

(a) 9 years and below

(b) 10-18 years

(c) 19-29 years

(d) 30 years and above

(2) Sex of respondent.

(a) Male (b) Female

(3) Education level of the respondent

(a) Primary level

(b) Secondary level

24
(c) Above 0 level

(d) Not attended school

SECTION B

Causes

4. What is the family’s source of income of parents/caretakers?

(a) Farming

(b) Matatu touts

( c) Illicit brewing

(d)Others (specify)..............................................

5. What problems do you experience at home as a child?

(a) Lack of food

(b) Poor housing

© Lack of educational support

(a) Others (specify)..............................................

6. Do your parents/caretakers use drugs?

(a) Yes (b)No

Legislation

7. Is there an office in the district catering for child rights?

(a) Yes, ........(b) No

8. If yes in Question 29 above, where is it located/situated?

25
 (a) In the D. C’s office

(b) In the health center

(c) In the village

(d) I don’t know

10. Have you ever visited this office/

(a) Yes (b)No

32. If yes in question 34 above, what had happened to you?

(a) Assaulted sexually a stranger □

(b) Denied food and chased away from home □
(c) Denied chance to attend to education □
(d) Forcefully subjected to FGM practices. □
11. What do you think the government should do to prevent child above?

(a) Involve community I preserving child rights.

(b) Invite more NGOs to keep in creating awareness on child abuse by

advocating for child rights.

(c) Advocate for the child rights in schools and others institutions

(d) Others (Specify)

26