Kenya recorded more than 10,000 child protection cases in just 15 months, with abandonment topping the list, the State Department for Children Services has revealed, underscoring a deepening crisis that places thousands of school-going children at risk.
Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o said data from the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) captured 10,581 cases across various child protection categories between January 2025 and March 2026.
Of these, abandonment cases were the most prevalent at 6,820, followed by 1,952 abductions, 1,636 missing children cases involving lost and found children, and 173 trafficking cases.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of reported cases, followed by Nakuru, Kakamega, Homa Bay and Kiambu counties.
Ageng’o said the department has put in place targeted interventions across all categories, including alternative family care arrangements, rescue operations, family tracing and reunification, reintegration support and appropriate judicial action depending on the specifics of each case.
The government has adopted a coordinated multi-sectoral approach to child protection in line with Sections 54 and 55 of the Children Act, 2022, which provide for the establishment of Children Advisory Committees at county and sub-county levels.
“These Committees bring together key actors in the child protection ecosystem to ensure that all child protection concerns are addressed in a structured, timely and holistic manner,” Ageng’o stated.
The department noted that it continues to work with law enforcement agencies, county governments, development partners and community structures to strengthen child protection systems across the country.
Kenya ranked top
On a positive note, Ageng’o revealed that Kenya was recently ranked number one in Eastern and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa in the Out of the Shadows Index, which assesses government efforts in preventing and responding to sexual violence against children and adolescents.
“This recognition affirms the country’s sustained investment in strengthening child protection systems and safeguarding the wellbeing of children,” she said.
The State Department urged members of the public to report cases involving missing children, abuse, neglect, violence, exploitation, trafficking and online abuse through the National Child Helpline 116, the nearest police station, Sub-County Children’s Offices or local administration offices.
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“Timely reporting is critical to enable swift intervention, protection, investigations, family tracing, rescue operations and access to justice for affected children,” Ageng’o said.
The department reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no child is left unprotected, unaccounted for or unsupported.
By Benedict Aoya
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