BBC defends investigation of Kenya child-sex trafficking after 'hoax' claims

The BBC has responded to allegations of spreading misinformation

Following recent reports of a controversial investigation into alleged child sex trafficking in Kenya, the BBC has released an official statement. A spokesperson for the BBC has defended their journalism, stating that they stand by the accuracy of their reporting and that they have the highest standards when it comes to impartiality, accuracy, and fairness in their coverage. The spokesperson emphasized that the BBC strives to provide its audiences with trustworthy news and that they will continue to do so in line with their editorial guidelines and policies. This comes after a Kenyan government official alleged that the BBC had been duped into running a "hoax" story.

The investigation and the allegations

The investigation in question, led by the BBC Africa Eye team, centered around a piece titled "Kenya: The trafficking teachers". The report claimed that teachers were allegedly involved in sexual exploitation of students, resulting in widespread outrage and calls for justice. However, a National Government Administration Officer, Bernard Ndong', claimed that the entire story was a hoax, intended to portray Kenya in a bad light. In response, the BBC maintains that their journalists followed proper protocols, conducted thorough research, and worked with reputable sources.

Response from the BBC

The BBC spokesperson has emphasized that they are committed to providing accurate and reliable reporting. They highlighted that the investigation had been conducted in a responsible manner, ensuring that the appropriate steps were taken to verify all the information before broadcasting. The spokesperson emphasized that the BBC takes its commitment to honest and trustworthy reporting very seriously and that they will continue to deliver content that meets the highest standards expected by their audiences.