The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection through the state Department of Children Welfare Services has reiterated on its commitment to protecting children’s rights such as education, health and ,child labour and safe drinking water.
Addressing Various Stakeholders at the Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi Constituency ,Bungoma County while leading the National Launch of the 2025 Day of the African Child alongside Governor Ken Lusaka , CPA Carren Ageng’o, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children Welfare and Social Protection, has noted that Kenya has made significant strides in child protection and continues to prioritize initiatives in education, healthcare, and social protection.
“In line with the principle “Nothing for us without us,” the government has recently consulted children across the country to gather their insights for the 2025/2026 national budget,” said PS Ageng’o.
The PS commended Bungoma County Government and other development partners for their unwavering commitment to children’s welfare and for supporting and complementing the government’s efforts.
ALSO READ:
“The choices Kenya makes today will shape the future of our children tomorrow, hence Let us unite across all sectors to ensure that every child’s rights and needs are fully met,” CPA Ageng’o said.
On his part, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, called for continued greater collaboration between national and county governments to tackle the challenges confronting children across the country.
Governor Lusaka underscored the urgent need for inclusive, child-focused planning and budgeting.
“While we have made progress, troubling realities remain. Many children continue to face neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Others still lack access to quality education, clean water, and safe housing,” Lusaka said. “It is our shared duty — as governments, civil society, parents, and guardians — to ensure that no child is left behind.” He added.
The governor cited several initiatives undertaken by his administration to improve child welfare. These include the rollout of a County Child Protection Policy, expanded maternal and child healthcare services, strengthened immunization efforts, and nutritional support for vulnerable families.
ALSO READ:
“Bungoma was selected to host this year’s celebrations because of Governor Lusaka’s outstanding efforts in strengthening child welfare frameworks,” Ageng’o said.
“We have significantly increased funding for Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), and introduced targeted interventions such as the Uji Programme in public ECDE centres,” he noted. “To our children: we see you, we hear you, and we value you. You are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the promise of today,” noted Governor Lusaka.
Lusaka also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to involving children in policy-making and ensuring that every shilling allocated to child welfare is spent effectively.
Held under the theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights Since 2010,” the event drew stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector, all united in their commitment to promoting children’s rights.
ALSO READ:
The Day of the African Child, marked every year on June 16, honours the memory of children who died during the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, as they protested for access to quality education.
This year’s theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” emphasizes the importance of intentional, data-driven investments in children’s well-being.
Also Present at the event were Bungoma County Deputy Governor, Jennipher Mbatiany , Board Chair of the National Council for Children’s Services, Sophia Abdi Noor, Thomas Sankei, County Commissioner of Bungoma; as well as children and other senior government officials.
By Achola Bulimo Mathews
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
