A new report by the United Nations Children's Agency says violence against girls in Kenya is on the rise, with many experiencing sexual abuse by strangers.

Madhavi Ashok, the deputy representative of UNICEF Kenya, told VOA News that children are particularly vulnerable in their own communities, noting that many suffer attacks while they are walking to and from school.

Ashok says the attacks sometimes lead to social stigma, sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. In some cases they bring an end to the girl's education.

The Kenyan government says it is committed to stopping violence against children. An official with Kenya's Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Development, says the government is in the process of setting up child protection centers throughout the country to respond to incidents of violence and abuse. He says the government is committed to implementing the recommendations contained in the report.