Breaking the silencE:

Mathare Needs Assessment Report 2025

The Bringing Smiles Foundation Needs Assessment Report (2025) documents the realities of child sexual assault in Mathare—one of Nairobi’s most densely populated informal settlements. Conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, the study reveals that while 85.9% of residents recognize child sexual assault as a serious problem, systemic barriers such as stigma, poverty, and weak institutional trust continue to silence survivors. The report highlights critical service gaps in healthcare, legal aid, and psychosocial support, while also identifying strong community willingness to participate in solutions. This landmark research sets evidence-based priorities for child protection, advocacy, and partnership in alignment with Kenya’s Children Act (2022) and SDG 16.2, marking the beginning of a new era of data-driven action for every child’s safety.