16/06/2025
On Friday, June 13th, I joined a committee for a consultative meeting on child protection chaired by National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Commissioner, Dr. Margaret Karungaru.
The group included local activists, community child workers, legal experts, government representatives and Tamara’s mother, Susan Wanjiru.
The meeting aimed to strengthen child protection policies in the county and beyond.
It was prompted by the rising number of child molestation cases in Nyeri and surrounding areas — including the tragic recent case of 7-year-old Tamara Blessing Kabura.
Key recommendations included:
1. Establish safe houses in every county for vulnerable children.
2. Mobilize churches and cultural groups to speak out against sexual abuse.
3. Regulate school hours to ensure children aren't walking in the dark.
4. Create SGBV desks in all police stations, staffed by trained officers.
5. Include illustrated, age-appropriate content on consent, sexual education and body autonomy in school curricula.
6. Retrain chiefs on SGBV to strengthen grassroots awareness and response.
7. Set up special courts to fast-track SGBV cases.
8. Provide psychosocial support and rehabilitation for victims and families.
9. Equip Level 4 hospitals with SGBV units for coordinated evidence handling.
10. Urge swift justice in Tamara Blessing Kabura’s case.
11. Promote the toll free 24/7 child helpline – 116 – for reporting and support.
12. Share NGEC’s toll-free SGBV helpline – 0800 720 187 – for community use.
We hope these recommendations move from paper to practice, with NGEC’s leadership driving real change.
