Every Child Matters: Kenya’s Efforts to End Violence and Ensure Protection

NAIROBI, Kenya—A clarion call to protect the nation’s children rang loud as the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) convened a high-impact quarterly meeting with Children Sector Stakeholders to assess Kenya’s commitments following the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.

With data revealing that one in two children worldwide experiences violence annually, stakeholders underscored the urgency of translating pledges into concrete actions. The meeting brought together government officials, child rights advocates, development partners, and civil society organisations, all aligned in the pursuit of a safer environment for children.

Commissioner Michael Mbithuka set the tone for the discussions, stressing the need for accelerated implementation of evidence-based policies and cross-sector collaboration. “We must act decisively to strengthen our national response mechanisms. The time to move from commitments to action is now,” he asserted.

Kenya has made bold commitments to curb violence against children by reinforcing five key pillars:

Strengthening Parental and Caregiver Support – Ensuring families have access to resources, guidance, and economic empowerment to provide nurturing environments for children.

Creating Safe and Enabling School Environments – Implementing policies that enhance child protection within educational institutions and training teachers to identify and respond to cases of violence. Enhancing Response and Support Services – Scaling up access to counselling, legal aid, and child protection services for affected children.

Challenging Harmful Social Norms and Ending Child Exploitation – Engaging communities in dialogue to dismantle harmful traditions, including child labour, forced marriages, and corporal punishment. Improving Data Collection and Monitoring – Investing in robust data systems to track cases of violence, strengthen accountability, and inform policy decisions.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing government initiatives, including the National Prevention and Response Plan on Violence Against Children (2019-2023) and the enactment of the Children Act 2022, which aligns with international human rights frameworks.

However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited coordination among agencies, and cultural resistance to change were identified as barriers to progress.

Stakeholders called for enhanced partnerships between government institutions, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to drive a more coordinated response to child protection. Increased investment in social protection programmes and targeted awareness campaigns were cited as crucial steps in shifting societal attitudes and strengthening prevention efforts.

With renewed commitment from key players, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in child protection efforts in Africa. As policies are refined and strategies are implemented, the focus remains on creating a future where every child is safe, empowered, and able to realise their full potential.

Ending violence against children requires a collective national effort. As stakeholders work towards achieving these ambitious goals, the call remains clear—every citizen has a role to play in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Kenya’s children.

The success of these commitments will ultimately be measured by the lives transformed and the promise of a safer, brighter future for generations to come.

NGEC Commissioner Michael Mbithuka addressing stakeholders during the quarterly meeting with the Children Sector