Child Care
Executive Summary
Kenya has made notable progress in advancing child care and protection. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in achieving universal family-based care, strengthening protection systems at county levels, and ensuring coordinated responses to child abuse and neglect. This report provides an overview of achievements, persistent gaps, and proposed actions for stakeholders.
1. Background
The Government of Kenya has made commendable efforts to enhance child protection through legal, policy, and programmatic interventions. Despite these strides, challenges such as child abuse, neglect, trafficking, and gaps in care systems persist. There is a need for strategic partnerships with civil society, faith-based organizations, and private stakeholders to complement government efforts and strengthen child protection mechanisms. Child and elder care foundation has sought a formal partnership with
2. Objectives of the Proposal
- To collaborate with the Government of Kenya in enhancing child protection services.
- To support the implementation of family-based care models aligned with the National Child Care Reforms Strategy (2022–2032).
- To build capacity for county child protection structures and community stakeholders.
- To improve case management, reporting mechanisms, and response to child abuse cases.
- To collaborate with the Government of Kenya in enhancing child protection services.
- To support the implementation of family-based care models aligned with the National Child Care Reforms Strategy (2022–2032).
- To build capacity for county child protection structures and community stakeholders.
- To improve case management, reporting mechanisms, and response to child abuse cases.
3. Progress Highlights
- Enactment of the Children Act, 2022, modernizing child welfare systems.
- Launch of the National Child Care Reforms Strategy (2022–2032) promoting family and community-based care.
- Expansion of Cash Transfers for Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
- Operationalization of Child Helpline 116 nationwide.
- Ongoing collaboration with development partners, CSOs, and faith-based organizations.
4. Persistent Challenges
- Overdependence on institutional care for vulnerable children.
- Limited trained personnel for child protection services.
- Gaps in county-level structures and service delivery.
- Insufficient public awareness on child rights and protection.
- Data gaps hinder evidence-based programming and response.
5. Proposed Areas of Partnership
Capacity Building
- Training of caregivers, child protection officers, and welfare committees.
- Development of community-based child protection networks.
- Strengthening Family-Based Care
- Promote foster care, kinship care, and local adoption programs.
- Support reintegration of children from institutional care to family settings.
Enhancing Child Abuse Prevention and Response
- Support operationalization of Child Helpline 116at county level.
- Awareness campaigns on child rights, positive parenting, and prevention of child exploitation.
Data Systems and Case Management
- Development of digital systems for tracking child protection cases.
- Support data collection for evidence-based programming.
6. Implementation Approach
- Joint planning with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Department of Children’s Services, and County Governments.
- Community involvement through CSOs, faith-based organizations, and local leaders.
- Capacity strengthening through workshops, mentorship, and resource development.
7. Expected Outcomes
- Improved protection, welfare, and care for vulnerable children.
- Increased capacity of child protection actors at national and county levels.
- Reduction in cases of child neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
- Strengthened family and community-based care structures.
8. Stakeholder Recommendations
- Enactment of the Children Act, 2022, modernizing child welfare systems.
- Launch of the National Child Care Reforms Strategy (2022–2032) promoting family and community-based care.
- Expansion of Cash Transfers for Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
- Operationalization of Child Helpline 116 nationwide.
- Ongoing collaboration with development partners, CSOs, and faith-based organizations.
9 . Conclusion
While Kenya has made critical progress in reforming child care systems, collaboration among stakeholders remains vital to overcome existing challenges. Sustained investments in family-based care, capacity building, and community engagement will ensure all Kenyan children grow up in safe, supportive environments.
10. Resources
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