Child rights organizations have raised concerns over critical budget cuts in the 2025/26 national budget, warning that reductions in essential services could undermine Kenya’s commitments to protect and uplift children.
In a forum hosted by Mtoto News in collaboration with World Vision Kenya and other civil society actors, stakeholders interrogated the recently released National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee Report, calling for stronger accountability and transparency in how public finances affect children.
The meeting, held in Nairobi, emphasized that budget processes must go beyond symbolic public participation and instead focus on tracking whether government allocations translate into tangible improvements in children’s lives.
“What are financial matters?” asked Elijah Bonyo, representing World Vision. “Public engagement must go beyond formulation. We must follow the money—to allocations, disbursements, and actual spending—to see if it improves education, healthcare, and child protection.”
The forum came against the backdrop of the Kenyan government’s ambitious pledges made in November 2024 to eliminate violence against children. These commitments included:
KSh 2.6 billion to boost family support under the National Poverty Financing Program.
KSh 600 million for reforms in childcare systems.
KSh 16 billion for a new Child Welfare Fund.
Training of 100,000 teachers in trauma and mental health support.
Deployment of 80,000 community health promoters and 55,000 health workers trained on child protection.
Despite these pledges, stakeholders questioned whether the 2025/26 budget reflects these priorities in actual allocations.
One of the most contentious issues raised was the KSh 900 million cut to capitation for primary schools under the State Department for Basic Education.
Speakers noted that this comes at a time when schools are already grappling with delayed funding and increased reliance on parents to fill the gap.
“Why cut funding to primary education when children are still crying out for quality, free schooling?” asked Bonyo.
“This reduction contradicts both constitutional obligations and recent child welfare pledges.”
However, the forum acknowledged some positive shifts. The education budget includes KSh 100 million for special needs school infrastructure and KSh 160 million earmarked for projects proposed during public consultations.
The National Treasury’s Budget Circular for the upcoming fiscal year was praised for explicitly directing MDAs (ministries, departments, and agencies) to implement child-sensitive budgeting, in line with Article 21(3) of the Constitution and Kenya’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
“This directive is significant,” said Bonyo. “But we must now scrutinize whether Parliament has translated this into real allocations for child-focused programs.”
The inclusion of children in recent budget hearings was welcomed as a progressive step. However, participants warned that children’s voices must not be reduced to tokenism.
“This is the moment to track: Did children’s views influence funding decisions?” Bonyo challenged the audience.
Next Steps: Watching Parliament, Demanding Answers
The forum concluded with a call for civic vigilance as Parliament debates and approves the final budget:
Compare Treasury’s initial proposals with the final budget estimates.
Demand explanations for any increases or reductions in key child-focused areas.
Engage MPs to ensure full implementation of Kenya’s promises to its youngest citizens.
