Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika has set up a task force to investigate the widespread child trafficking and prostitution uncovered in Mai Mahiu, following a recent BBC report exposing the scale of abuse in the area.

The probe will also cover other towns along key transport routes including Salgaa, Kikopey, Total, and Longonot.

Announcing the move on Friday, August 8, the governor said the task force, led by County Executive Committee Member for Health Roselyne Mungai, has until September 5 to deliver its findings.

The team will assess the extent of the crime, uncover its root causes, identify major offenders, and recommend measures to eliminate the vice and prevent future cases.

"I have set up a task force to investigate the prevalence of the child sex trade in Maai Mahiu and report back to me by September 5, 2025," Kihika said.

She emphasized that no one involved in abusing minors will be spared, regardless of their position.

The governor added that the task force will collaborate closely with the national government, including the National Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, to ensure offenders face justice.

“I have called on the National Police Service and the ODPP to ensure perpetrators receive the harshest punishment. They must be locked away for good,” she stated.

Kihika urged community members to speak out against the crime, stressing that protecting children is a shared responsibility involving leaders, the church, teachers, and parents.

"We must not shut our eyes to the perpetration of this crime. The duty of protecting our children lies with all of us," she said.

Residents have been encouraged to report cases through the county’s gender-based violence hotline at 0753 481 695 or via the website nakuru.org/gbv.

The BBC investigation sparked public outrage after revealing shocking testimonies from girls as young as 12 who have been trafficked and forced into commercial sex work in Mai Mahiu, highlighting a growing crisis that demands urgent action.