Editor's Review

"We are moving to regulate children’s homes to ensure proper standards are upheld."

The government has announced a new plan to regulate children’s homes under a structured regulatory framework to ensure the protection and welfare of vulnerable children.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 23, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Child Welfare Society.

"In collaboration with the Child Welfare Society, and with the strong support of PS Shadrack Mwadime, PS Joseph Motari, PS Carren Ageng’o, and other senior officials, we are moving to regulate children’s homes through a structured certification process to ensure proper standards are upheld," he said.

File image of Alfred Mutua

Mutua also noted the reduction of the number of street families, stating that the next phase will involve expanding and equipping rehabilitation facilities.

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"Encouragingly, we have witnessed a noticeable reduction in the number of street families. Our next focus is to scale up rehabilitation centers to equip rescued children with life skills and create opportunities that will allow them to grow into productive and empowered members of society.

"Our focus moving forward will be anchored on key priority areas: protecting children’s rights by ensuring access to shelter, clothing, food, and safe reintegration into supportive environments; promoting family values and kinship adoption; and safeguarding children from drug abuse, societal violence, media exploitation, and sexual abuse. We are committed to upholding the identity and innocence of every child," he added.

In addition to social welfare reforms, Mutua also mentioned a renewed focus on curbing serious child-related crimes, including trafficking and harmful traditional practices.

"We also emphasized the need to intensify efforts to combat child trafficking and to prevent Kenya from being used as a conduit for such crimes. Additionally, we reaffirmed our firm stance against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), recognizing it not as a cultural practice but as a serious sexual crime that must be eradicated," he stated.