When a partner weaponizes money, it is not just a private family matter; it is a form of abuse that traps children in a cycle of poverty and distress. A recent report from the United Kingdom has thrown a harsh spotlight on this reality, revealing a crisis that resonates deeply within Kenyan households.

The study, conducted by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), found that almost four million children in the UK are suffering the consequences of economic abuse. This occurs when one partner—or ex-partner—controls the family's financial resources to exert power, leaving mothers and children without access to basic necessities. While these statistics are from the UK, they serve as a critical wake-up-call for Kenya, where such issues often remain shrouded in silence and cultural norms.

The Hidden Weapons of Control

Economic abuse is a legally recognised form of domestic abuse and often happens alongside physical or emotional violence. The SEA report detailed the specific tactics perpetrators use, which create profound instability for children and make it nearly impossible for a victim to leave an abusive relationship. These methods are universal and painfully familiar to many Kenyan families.

Key findings from the report include:

• Withholding Child Support: A third of mothers reported that their ex-partners refused to pay child maintenance or paid it unreliably, even when they could afford it.
• Blocking Access to Funds: Perpetrators frequently stop mothers from accessing bank accounts and child benefits, effectively cutting off their financial lifeline.
• Outright Theft: One in six mothers stated that a partner or ex-partner had stolen money directly from their children, including birthday gifts or pocket money.

As a result of such actions, children are deprived of essentials like food, clothing, and a stable home environment. One mother quoted by the charity noted, “My ex would stop maintenance payments right before Christmas,” a tactic designed to inflict maximum emotional and financial pain.

The Kenyan Context: A Silent Epidemic

While comprehensive data on economic abuse in Kenya is still emerging, studies indicate it is a widespread problem. Research from Strathmore University identifies economic abuse as a common but unspoken form of domestic violence in the country. Factors such as gender inequality and women's financial dependence on male partners create a fertile ground for this type of control. In Kenya, the Children Act of 2022 mandates that both parents are responsible for child maintenance, but enforcement remains a significant challenge.

The consequences are severe, impacting not only a child's immediate welfare but also their future. Children who witness financial abuse may suffer long-term psychological effects and are at risk of perpetuating the cycle themselves. The UK report underscores an urgent truth: protecting a child's physical safety is intrinsically linked to ensuring their economic safety.

As the findings from abroad ripple across the globe, they challenge us to look closer to home. It is imperative that we foster greater awareness, strengthen our legal frameworks, and provide robust support systems for the countless Kenyan mothers and children caught in the invisible chains of economic abuse.