Article 45 of the Kenyan Constitution rightly emphasizes the place of family as the natural and fundamental unit of society, deserving the unwavering recognition and protection of the state.

However, over time, this crucial institution has come under threat, eroding the very values it was designed to uphold.

Globalization, shifting political landscapes, and evolving cultural norms have all played a role in reshaping our understanding of family and community values.

As we navigate these transformations, it is heartening to witness the government’s approval of the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection.

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This policy comes as a breath of fresh air, as it seeks to set a new course towards the promotion of inter-generational knowledge transfer, preservation of our cherished norms, and the protection of age-old taboos that have bound our communities for generations.

According to the cabinet office, this policy seeks to provide a framework on addressing the numerous challenges facing our families and communities today including loss of values, a noticeable decline in the sense of civic duty, failure to strike a reasonable work-life as well as a lack of unity and cooperation among community members.

Yet, welcome as this intervention may be, we would be wrong to see it as a panacea for all the problems we face as a society.

Our challenges need more beyond a few items of legislation. The policy however represents a significant step in the right direction.

It is a commitment from the government to work collaboratively with stakeholders to safeguard our most fundamental institution—the family.

By addressing these challenges head-on and providing clear guidelines for implementation, we can hope to see a revitalization of our family units and, in turn, a strengthening of our societal values. After all, family is everything!