A coalition of 30 child-focused organizations from across Kenya has raised alarm over what it describes as severely inadequate government funding for children’s welfare and protection services. In a joint press statement released on Wednesday, the group called on Parliament and the National Treasury to urgently revise the national budget to reflect the needs of Kenya’s 26 million children—who make up 46 percent of the country’s population.
The coalition commended recent government efforts, including the establishment of the State Department for Children Welfare Services and adherence to global and regional child rights frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
However, it expressed deep concern over the rising cases of violence against children, including sexual abuse, trafficking, and online exploitation.
Central to the coalition’s criticism is the current budget allocation of just KSh 11 billion to the State Department, which translates to a mere KSh 260 per child annually.
“This is a glaring mismatch between policy ambition and actual investment,” the coalition stated. “Children may be small in stature, but their budget must not be.”
The organizations are urging an immediate budget increase of KSh 4.5 billion to strengthen child protection services, implement care reforms, boost field operations, and support child victims of violence.
They also proposed an increase of KSh 70 million for the National Council for Children’s Services to expand its operational presence from five to all 47 counties.
In addition, the coalition is advocating for the full operationalization of the Child Welfare Fund with a starting annual allocation of KSh 1 billion, growing incrementally to reach KSh 5 billion by 2030.
Beyond financial investments, the group outlined several structural and administrative recommendations, including the separation of Social Development and Child Welfare Programmes, alignment of departmental performance indicators with the new child-focused mandate, and the creation of specialized departments to enhance child participation and end violence against minors.
The coalition also emphasized the importance of involving children meaningfully in national development processes. To this end, it called for national budget documents to be made more accessible and child-friendly.
“This is not just about money—it’s about priorities, protection, and giving children a voice in shaping the Kenya they deserve,” the statement concluded.
The plea comes ahead of the finalization of the national budget, with child welfare advocates hoping their voices will be heard and reflected in upcoming fiscal decisions.