The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has partnered with the German Government in order to produce a movie that highlights and increases awareness of the prevalence of child trafficking in Kenya.
The movie titled, Supastaz, takes a bold approach in airing some of the challenges faced by children who live in slums - including being exploited as beggars and forced marriages.
The German embassy in Nairobi lauded the team that participated in ensuring that the film became a reality. Over 150 people participated including some talented children who live in Nairobi's slums.
The movie is set to be launched on Thursday, April 7.
"Directed by Krysteen Savane and Oprah Oyugi, the film's key cast are part of One fine day, a children's arts program that empowers kids through creative arts," read part of the statement.
"The film was shot in Mathare and Kibera with more than 150 people participating in the making of the film. The film was funded by the German government through EAC-GIZ in partnership with DCI."
Savane is a creative film producer who has produced numerous projects such as the Oscar-nominated film, All of Us. On the other hand, One Fine day is an art centre, located in Kibera, that seeks to expose the hidden talent of the youth living in the slums.
The centre focuses on different skills such as art, music, ballet, drama, creative writing dance, acrobatics and circus.
The film is based on nine-year-old Eva who seeks to enroll in a dancing competition alongside her friends. What appears to be a joyous endeavour for the kids turns into disaster as a child trafficking cartel targets the competition in order to source its next victims.
The movie will feature the cast of Naomi Nganga, from the local hit series Sue na Johnnie, who plays the cartel boss. Others to feature include Makutano Junction's Mukami Njiru, Nyaboke Moraa and Naomi Mburu from the hit drama show, Kina.
Child trafficking has been prevalent in the country, with recent statistics showing that Kenya has not fully complied with the standards for eliminating the crime.
Currently, Kenya is ranked Tier 2 designation- one of the highest levels of child trafficking on the continent.
Recently, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui noted that the government had committed its resources to eliminate the menacing issue. He added that the cartels had taken advantage of the pandemic period in order to increase their attacks.
"To reduce vulnerability, the government has also put in place various social protection programmes including the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme that targets older persons, orphans and vulnerable children and Persons with Severe Disability, some of whom are in the category most vulnerable to trafficking."
"Human trafficking is not only an injustice to the victim, but it is an injustice unto the families and friends of that victim," Chelugui stated.
