The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has 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, MBS, 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.

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.