Determinants of home-based violence against children in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Violence against children remains a major global public health and human rights concern, with over one billion children experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual violence annually. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, cases of child violence have heightened despite the existence of legal and institutional frameworks aimed at protecting children. Nairobi City County has reported a growing prevalence of home-based violence against children, necessitating a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to this problem. This study examined the determinants of home-based violence against children in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was guided by Frustration–Aggression Theory and Social Learning Theory. The study employed descriptive design. The target population comprised of 384 household heads, 2 deputy county commissioners, 17 chiefs, 34 assistant chiefs, 6 officers, 20 officials from the Children’s Welfare Department, 200 social workers, 200 head teachers, 30 psychologists/counselors, and 30 representatives of non-state actors, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and faith-based organizations (FBOs). Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 451respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented narratively, while quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and presented through tables, graphs and pie charts. The findings revealed that home-based violence against children in Nairobi City County commonly manifested through verbal altercations (44.2%), constant rebuke (41.6%), and denial of basic needs (40.9%), isolation (40.4%), punching (40.2%), and kicking (34.9%). The study further established that the major determinants of home-based violence against children were economic strain (25.2%), drug and substance abuse (19.7%), cultural practices and norms (10.0%), power and control dynamics (9.4%), marital conflicts (9.1%), and parenting-related challenges (5.9%).The study concludes that home-based violence against children in Nairobi City County is largely driven by socioeconomic, behavioral, cultural, and family-related factors. Addressing these underlying determinants is critical to reducing child victimization within households. The study recommends the implementation of comprehensive family assessment and support programs by government agencies and social service organizations to address economic hardship, substance abuse, family conflict, and intergenerational patterns of violence, thereby strengthening child protection and family well-being.