By Bonface Mulyungi
The State Department for Children Services has revealed that more than 10,000 child protection cases were recorded across the country between January 2025 and March 2026, with abandonment cases accounting for the highest number.
Principal Secretary for Children Services CPA Carren Ageng’o in a statement said data from the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) recorded 10,581 cases under various child protection categories.
The cases include 6,820 cases of abandonment, 1,952 abductions, 1,636 missing children cases involving lost and found children, and 173 trafficking cases.
“The Department has implemented targeted interventions across all categories, including alternative family care arrangements, rescue operations, family tracing and reunification, reintegration support, and appropriate judicial action depending on case specifics,” said Ageng’o.
According to the PS, Nairobi County recorded the highest number of reported cases, followed by Nakuru, Kakamega, Homa Bay and Kiambu counties.
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.
Ageng’o said 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,” she stated.
The PS further noted 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 added.
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.
“Timely reporting is critical to enable swift intervention, protection, investigations, family tracing, rescue operations, and access to justice for affected children,” said Ageng’o.
The department reiterated its commitment to strengthening systems aimed at ensuring no child is left unprotected, unaccounted for or unsupported.
Source: Citizen
