Unbreakable Walls: Saving Children in Nairobi's Slums

Child abuse is a global crisis, but nowhere is its impact more visible than in urban informal settlements, where poverty, weak enforcement of laws, and fragmented systems leave children vulnerable. This book investigates the effectiveness of Community-Based Child Protection Structures (CBCPS) in Mukuru kwa Njenga, Nairobi County, offering a rare, evidence-based look at how grassroots mechanisms can safeguard children against abuse. Drawing on both qualitative narratives and quantitative analysis, the study reveals the forms and extent of abuse where child labour is most prevalent. It examines the trust communities place in chiefs, police, NGOs, clergy, and families when reporting cases. It explores how socio-cultural practices shape the implementation of child protection programs, sometimes reinforcing harmful traditions but also offering pathways for resilience.