Physical aspects of home-based violence on children in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Physical violence against children remains a pressing child-protection concern, particularly within household settings where parents, caregivers and other family members may use physical punishment or violence as a disciplinary practice. Despite the existence of legal and institutional mechanisms for protecting children in Kenya, physical violence and its associated consequences continue to be reported in Nairobi County. This study examined the physical aspects of home-based violence against children in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was guided by Frustration-Aggression Theory and Social Learning Theory and employed a descriptive research design. The study targeted household heads and key child-protection stakeholders, including administrators, chiefs and assistant chiefs, police officers, children’s welfare officials, social workers, head teachers, psychologists/counsellors and representatives of non-state actors. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observation, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data through thematic analysis. Of the 384 questionnaires administered to household heads, 341 were returned, representing an 88.8% response rate. The findings indicated that respondents identified several physical consequences associated with home-based violence against children. Specifically, 40.46% agreed or strongly agreed that bruises were associated with physical violence, while corresponding proportions were 41.35% for disability, 41.64% for poor health conditions and 40.76% for retardation. Qualitative findings further indicated that corporal punishment, domestic conflicts, physical abuse and neglect contributed to injuries and adverse health and developmental outcomes among children. The study concludes that physical violence against children remains an important child-protection concern requiring stronger identification, prevention and response mechanisms. The study contributes to knowledge by demonstrating the interconnected physical and developmental consequences of home-based violence and highlighting the need for systematic identification and documentation of abuse within child-protection and healthcare systems. The study recommends standardized screening, documentation, referral and reporting protocols, accompanied by training of healthcare workers, teachers and other professionals who interact regularly with children.