Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs has today hosted 14 principal secretaries with a message of endinging violence against children.
Present were various stakeholders who discussed the need for children safety in society.
Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Citizen Affairs Joseph Motari observed that,
Additionally, households in the Inua Jamii Programme with expectant mothers and children under three years benefit from the Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health in Education (NICHE) programme, implemented in collaboration with our development partners. This programme aims to improve the growth and development outcomes of children in their early years and has benefited over 33,000 households since its inception in 2020.
Furthermore, the Presidential Secondary School Bursary Fund targets children in public boarding secondary schools, ensuring that vulnerable children complete their secondary education. My state department
disburses about Ksh. 400 million annually to support an average of 20,000 children in secondary school.
To protect children from online sexual exploitation, the ministry has developed and is overseeing the implementation of the National Action Plan on Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (NPA-OCSEA) 2019-2026. In addition, all children officers have been trained on preventing and Countering Violent Extremism to enhance our efforts in protecting children from radicalization.
In the spirit of care reform, a key government agenda that seeks to promote family and community-based care for children, the ministry recently launched the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection.
The significance of family in the life of a child can not be overemphasized, as it is the very foundation that facilitates the actualization of child rights, including the right to education.
Earlier this month, my ministry conducted nationwide public participation on the Regulations that seek to fully Operationalize the Children Act, 2022. Upon completion, these regulations will enhance the efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of children.
“There is a need to come up with a better foundation for our children.
Bringing up a child is very crucial and should be enfercized more in society.” Said Joseph Motari Principal Secretary Social Protection.
In conclusion, today marks the beginning of a concerted effort to create a safer and brighter future for all children in Kenya. Our collective resolve, strategic planning, and collaborative spirit will drive us forward in eradicating violence against children, ensuring every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and protective environment.
The PS urges parents and guardians to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. Keep children at home under adult supervision, ensure they know how to contact a trusted adult if needed, and provide emotional support by listening and reassuring them. Monitor their internet use, educate them on online safety, and limit their exposure to distressing news.