Is caning allowed? The law on corporal punishment of children
Constitution of Kenya; Basic Education Act; Children Act · sources read 2 Oct 2026
No. The Constitution protects everyone, children included, from corporal punishment, and the Basic Education Act bans any physical or psychological punishment of pupils. In school it is an offence with a fine of up to KSh 100,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both.
- Where
- A police station, a children's officer or chief; the High Court to enforce a child's rights
Steps
- Report it at a police station: punishing a pupil this way is a criminal offence.
- You can also go to a children's officer, a chief or a police officer. The Children Act names them as officers who act to protect children.
- Anyone, including a parent or guardian, can go to the High Court if a child's rights are violated or threatened.
Watch out
- Outside school too, the Children Act makes subjecting a child to cruel or degrading treatment, including corporal punishment, an offence.
- Corporal punishment means using physical force on a child, with a cane or any other object, to cause pain as discipline.
- A lawful penalty for an offence a child commits is allowed, but it must be humane, keep the child's dignity and suit the child's age.
Who this covers
- Every person in Kenya has the right not to be subjected to corporal punishment.
- Every pupil, in any school: no physical or psychological cruel punishment.
- Every child, meaning anyone under 18, at home or anywhere else (Children Act).
Official sources (3)
- Constitution of Kenya, 2010 new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- The Basic Education Act, 2013 (No. 14 of 2013) parliament.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- The Children Act, 2022 (No. 29 of 2022) childrenservices.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026