A new study has raised alarm over changing patterns of child sexual abuse in the country, revealing that cases involving boys have now emerged among the most reported forms of sexual violence against minors.

The findings indicate that sodomy cases are increasingly being reported alongside defilement, with the combined offences accounting for a significant share of abuse cases affecting children.

According to the report on the investigation, reporting and adjudication of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Kenya, sodomy and defilement together represent 57 per cent of documented sexual violence cases against children.

The data further highlights other forms of exploitation, including child trafficking for sexual purposes, which accounts for 10 per cent of cases, while exploitation of children in pornography stands at 9 per cent.

Research officials behind the report expressed concern over the emerging patterns and what they signal about child safety.

“Our research has found that sodomy and defilement now lead in cases of abuse,” Midrift Lead Researcher, Leslie Rono said.

The report also identifies girls aged between six and 11 years as the most at-risk group, accounting for 39 per cent of reported cases. Adolescents aged 16 to 18 years make up 25 per cent, while those between 12 and 15 years represent 21 per cent of cases.

According to researchers, the figures point to widespread vulnerability across nearly all childhood stages, with younger children facing the highest exposure to abuse.

“We are seeing that younger children are the most affected.” Midrift Lead Researcher Leslie Rono stated.

Further findings show that perpetrators are often individuals within the community or close social circles. Male neighbours are identified as the most common offenders, followed closely by family members.

Men aged between 18 and 35 account for 30 per cent of reported cases, while those under 18 make up 26 per cent, pointing to a worrying involvement of both adults and adolescents in abuse incidents.

Child rights advocates say the situation remains deeply concerning. “These are very alarming cases that are still being witnessed,” Marie Louise Brandi, ChildRight.

The report is now urging faster prosecution of offenders and stronger protection mechanisms for victims.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has also cautioned against out-of-court settlements in such cases, saying they undermine justice.

“We as ODPP have opposed kangaroo courts in these cases and other crimes because they deny victims justice,” ODPP Deputy Director Ebby Maswai said.

As the findings circulate, child protection agencies are calling for coordinated action between law enforcement, communities and policymakers to address the rising cases and close gaps that continue to expose children to abuse.