Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged claims made in the recent BBC Africa Eye documentary on child sexual exploitation in Kenya, saying some of the individuals featured may have misrepresented their ages.

The documentary, "Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade," aired recently, revealing shocking accounts of underage girls allegedly exploited under the control of so-called “madams.”

It described how children, some reportedly as young as 12, are lured into the sex trade.

The investigation highlighted Maai Mahiu, a transit town in Kenya’s Rift Valley, 50km east of Nairobi, as a key transport hub and alleged hotspot for child sexual abuse.

Speaking before the National Assembly on Wednesday, Murkomen clarified that his remarks about the documentary do not imply that sexual exploitation of children does not exist in Kenya.

“The entire report was fake, because the people who were interviewed were not underage. That is not to say there may be no cases of sexual exploitation of young people in the country,” he said, adding that he had examined the identities, pseudonyms, and backgrounds of those featured.

Murkomen further stated that security agencies, including the anti-trafficking unit, have been working to manage such incidents. “But we still have cases of human trafficking, including young people coming from neighbouring countries who pass through Kenya. They may not be underage, but they may also be lured for jobs abroad and face exploitation,” he said, noting that Kenya continues to confront challenges related to human trafficking.

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into alleged child exploitation in Maai Mahiu following the documentary.

In a statement signed by Spokesperson and Director of Corporate Communication Múchiri Nyaga, the NPS said it is treating the matter with “urgency and gravity.”

“We recognise the urgency and gravity of the issues raised and are treating them with the seriousness they deserve. The NPS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s children and ensuring that those who exploit or harm them face justice,” the statement read.

Civil society groups have condemned the alleged child trafficking and sexual exploitation network exposed in the documentary.

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) called for urgent action from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the National Police Service to investigate and prosecute perpetrators while dismantling the networks involved.

The organisation also urged government agencies, particularly the Department of Children’s Services, to implement measures that prevent recurrence, protect victims, and address systemic gaps.