Socio-political commentator Billy Mijungu.PHOTO:POOL
In a bold move that deserves our full attention, Kenya has just elevated its commitment to the next generation by establishing a fully-fledged State Department for Children Welfare Services under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. In a country where children’s welfare often takes a backseat to other pressing issues, this shift signals a new era in how we view and prioritize the future of our nation—by focusing squarely on its youngest members.
Let’s be honest—when we think about national budgets, security is always the first thing that comes to mind. But as I see it, the true security of any nation lies in how we care for and invest in our children. This is where Kenya’s government has taken a noteworthy step. The welfare of children is not just an issue for today, but a long-term investment that shapes the very foundation of a country’s health, education, and social systems. We are witnessing a move that acknowledges children as the country’s most important asset—and for that, they deserve far more than token gestures.
What is especially striking about this development is the depth of commitment and foresight reflected in the creation of this department. The mandates backing it, including the Children Act 2022 and Executive Order No. 2 of 2023, are not mere formalities but essential frameworks that offer tangible, actionable support for children’s welfare. From rescuing abandoned children and inspecting rehabilitation centres to creating systems that monitor and protect children from violence, this department is poised to make a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable.
Under the leadership of CPA Carren Ageng’o Achieng, who brings not only a wealth of experience but a genuine, relatable warmth to the role, the department is already setting high expectations. Achieng’s leadership style is both firm and approachable, making her an effective bridge between policymakers, communities, and the children themselves. Her early days in office have already shown her capacity to communicate effectively, bringing both professionalism and a touch of humanity to the process.
The scope of work already underway is both impressive and humbling. In just three years, nearly half a million child protection cases have been managed through the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), covering all 47 counties. The numbers alone are staggering: In 2024, over 959,000 calls were answered on the national helpline 116, resolving nearly 100,000 child-related emergencies. This is a testament to the far-reaching impact the department is having on child protection across the country.
However, while the impact is undeniably significant, the real challenge lies in scaling these efforts. The department’s current operations are severely underfunded, with some sub-county offices functioning on a mere Ksh 8,000 per quarter. The officers working in these conditions are nothing short of heroic—they are carrying out high-stakes interventions with limited resources, often at great personal cost. Despite working in cramped offices without proper ICT tools and lacking the basic equipment needed to serve children with dignity, these professionals continue to show up and make a difference every day.
But let’s be clear—heroism should not be the standard for the people tasked with protecting our children. It’s time for Kenya to take the next logical step: ring-fence the Directorate’s budget and match its ambition with the resources it needs to truly thrive. This isn’t just about funding a government department; it’s about investing in our country’s future. The national conversation around children’s welfare has to include practical, sustained financial support to ensure that the department can carry out its mandate effectively.
Kenya’s decision to create a State Department for Children Welfare Services is a powerful statement. It is a recognition that children are not just the future—they are the present.
They deserve a system that prioritizes their protection, well-being, and growth. By elevating children’s welfare to this level of focus, Kenya is positioning itself among global superpowers that understand that the well-being of children is inseparable from the strength of a nation.
This is a political move that deserves praise. But now, it’s time for the next step. We must demand that the government provides the necessary resources to make this department not just a symbolic gesture, but a force capable of driving meaningful, lasting change for Kenya’s children. This is no longer just an issue of charity or social work; it’s a matter of national importance.
In the end, we are investing in more than just a government agency. We are investing in a generation that will define Kenya’s future.
Let’s ensure that we back this vision with the commitment it deserves, because when we invest in children, we are investing in the soul of the nation itself.
Billy Mijungu is a Socio-political Commentator
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