World Vision Kenya has called on the government of Kenya to prioritize child protection in national and county budgets.
In a statement, World Vision emphasised that legal reforms alone are not enough without adequate funding to protect vulnerable children.
It noted that Kenya has made progress in legal and policy reforms for children’s rights, but more needs to be done, even it urged the government to use mid-year and supplementary budgets to close funding gaps.
“However, persistent underinvestment in child protection services continues to expose millions of children to harm, exploitation, and neglect. With over 22 million children (46% of the population) in Kenya, the urgency to build and fund reliable protection systems has never been greater.”
WVK National Director Gilbert Kamanga called on all Kenyans to work together to create a world where children not only survive but thrive in safe, nurturing environments.
“True transformation in child protection comes from investing in our children,” he said on the Day of the African Child.
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation.”
This year’s theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010” highlighted both achievements and gaps in safeguarding children.
World vision also commended the state for the creation of the State Department for Children Welfare Services.
The NGO noted some of the serious threats children still face today, where over 4.2 million girls have been married before the age of 18.
It stated that Female Genital Mutilation persists, often in secrecy, Child labour, trafficking, and abuse remain widespread with over two million children lack birth registration, locking them out of essential services.
World vision further called for more allocation including Sh4.5 billion for community child protection, Sh2 billion for national coordination, and Sh73 billion in cash transfers for vulnerable children.
WVK reaffirmed its commitment to working with all partners to ensure children thrive in safe environments.
