Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the factors
influencing child abandonment in Nairobi. Data were collected through openended
interviews at Lang'ata Women's Prison with thirteen women who were
jailed for child abandonment. Thereafter, data were analyzed and transcribed.
The findings revealed that desperation is the governing factor
explaining the phenomenon of child abandonment. Nevertheless, some
combination of three contributing factors drove these women into desperation,
resulting in child abandonment. These factors, namely: destitution, isolation
and injustice, taken singly may not have resulted in the same sense of
hopelessness, but combined they resulted in desperation.
I concluded that the new phenomenon of child abandonment is
spreading all over Kenya, especially in the urban areas. This conclusion paved
way for recommendations that appeal for programs that will foster unity and
teamwork in eradicating the phenomenon.
