The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has today convened a National Dialogue Meeting on Ending Violence Against Children (VAC) in Kenya. The event was a significant step towards addressing the persistent issue of violence against children and charting a path forward for their protection and well-being.
Principal Secretary State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Joseph M. Motari, highlighted the urgency and importance of tackling VAC. “Today, we have made significant strides towards a unified approach to preventing and responding to violence against children in Kenya,” Motari said.
He emphasized the need for strategic sector-specific interventions and collaborative efforts across various sectors to drive meaningful change.
Kenya’s journey to combat VAC is backed by extensive research and action plans. Nationally representative surveys conducted in 2010 and 2019 revealed concerning statistics about the prevalence of violence against children. The 2019 survey showed that nearly half of females 45.9 percent and more than half of males 56.1 percent experienced childhood violence, with physical violence being the most common form. Sexual and emotional violence also remained significant issues. The findings underscored the necessity of continued efforts to protect children from abuse.
In response, the Ministry developed two key action plans: The VAC Response Plan 2013-2018 and the National Prevention and Response Plan on VAC 2019-2023. These plans incorporated the INSPIRE strategies, which focus on laws, norms and values, safe environments, parent and caregiver support, income and economic strengthening, response and support services, and education and life skills.
The government is currently taking stock of the implementation status of the 2019-2023 National Prevention and Response Plan on VAC. Additionally, the National Action Plan to address Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) 2019-2026 is being reviewed. These efforts have positioned Kenya as a Pathfinding country, committed to comprehensive action to end all forms of violence against children.
A key initiative under the State Department is the Inua Jamii programme, which supports 1.6 million households with orphans and vulnerable children through monthly stipends. This initiative aims to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of vulnerable children. The Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health in Education (NICHE) programme further supports households with expectant mothers and children under three years, benefiting over 33,000 households since 2020.
The Presidential Secondary School Bursary Fund targets children in public boarding secondary schools, ensuring that vulnerable children complete their education. About Ksh. 400 million is disbursed annually to support 20,000 children in secondary school.
To combat online child sexual exploitation, the Ministry developed and oversees the implementation of the National Action Plan on OCSEA. Children Officers have been trained to prevent and counter violent extremism, enhancing efforts to protect children from radicalization.
In the spirit of Care Reform, which promotes family and community-based care for children, the Ministry recently launched the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection. Public participation on the Regulations to operationalize the Children Act, 2022, is ongoing, aiming to safeguard children’s rights and welfare.
As Kenya prepares for the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia, in November 2024, the country aims to showcase its progress, learn from global best practices, and strengthen partnerships. Sector-specific meetings are being held to align stakeholders and refine strategies. Consulting children through forums will ensure child-centered approaches, while strong international partnerships and advocacy for sustainable funding will support long-term impact.
The National Dialogue on VAC marks the beginning of a concerted effort to create a safer future for all children in Kenya. The collective resolve, strategic planning, and collaborative spirit will drive the country forward in eradicating violence against children. “Our children deserve to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and protective environment. Let’s protect our children together.” Motari stated