State urges parents to remain vigilant amid rising child abductions

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura speaking during a press brief / HANDOUT

The government has expressed concern over the rising number of child abductions and violence against children across the country, revealing that nearly 2,000 abduction cases were reported between January 2025 and March 2026.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the government condemns cases involving the abduction, murder and abuse of children.

“The government is deeply concerned about the recent surge in child abductions and violence against children across the country and unequivocally condemns these heinous acts,” Mwaura said.

According to data from the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), the country recorded 10,581 child protection cases during the 15-month period.

The cases included 6,820 abandonment cases, 1,952 abductions, 1,636 missing children cases and 173 trafficking cases.

Mwaura said the government has rolled out several interventions to address the growing crisis, including rescue operations, family tracing, reunification programmes and judicial action against perpetrators.

He noted that coordinated efforts under Sections 54 and 55 of the Children Act 2022 have also led to the establishment of Children Advisory Committees across counties and sub-counties to strengthen child protection mechanisms.

The government further urged parents and guardians to educate children on personal safety, including avoiding strangers and walking alone.

“Parents are advised to sensitise their children not to accept gifts and lifts from strangers, avoid walking alone to and from school and always walk in groups with other learners,” Mwaura said.

Members of the public were also encouraged to report cases of missing children, abuse, neglect, trafficking and online exploitation through the National Child Helpline 116, WhatsApp line 0722 116 116, police stations and children’s offices.

This follows a crisis of missing children, which has triggered widespread national concern in Kenya, prompting renewed calls for stronger accountability systems and more robust community protection structures.

The Law Society of Kenya raised concerns over the increasing number of missing children cases in the country, calling for urgent legal and policy reforms to strengthen child protection systems.

In a statement issued during the commemoration of the International Day of Missing Children, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the growing crisis should horrify the conscience of the nation.

Kanjama warned that the rising number of reported cases points to a grave national protection failure that can no longer be ignored.

“No parent should wake up unsure whether their child will return home safely. No family should be left begging the State for urgency after a child disappears. The rising number of reported cases points to a grave national protection failure that can no longer be treated with routine statements or institutional silence,” he said.

According to the LSK President, every missing child case amounts to a constitutional emergency, citing Article 53 of the Constitution, which places a direct obligation on the State to protect children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking, neglect and violence.

The Law Society of Kenya said it was ready to use its legal mechanisms to push for legislative reforms and demand accountability from institutions responsible for child protection.