By Purity Njoki
Child in Family Focus Kenya (CFFK) participated in the Stakeholders Consultative Forum on the National Implementation Action Plan for the Family Promotion and Protection Policy, a three-day workshop held from 24th to 26th March 2026 at Strathmore University. Peter Muthui, our Director represented our organization by joining a diverse group of stakeholders committed to strengthening family systems and child protection frameworks across the country.
The workshop brought together key actors from government, international organizations, academia and civil society. These included the State Department for Children Services, African Union, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, International Federation for Family Development, as well as civil society organizations such as LevHaAv International, SOS Children’s Villages, Investing in Children and Societies (ICS) and Lumos. The main aim of the forum was to support the development of a National Implementation Action Plan for the Family Promotion and Protection Policy, as well as to align both state and non-state actors with the new institutional framework.
Throughout the three days, participants engaged in deep discussions through plenary sessions and group work, creating an inclusive and highly interactive environment. The opening sessions featured notable speakers such as Dr. Ceasar Mwangi, Dr. Raymond Mutura and Dr. Jane Wathuta, who set the tone for the conversations that followed. Remarks from the State Department for Children Services were delivered by Madam Mary Mbuga, the Head of Alternative Family Care at the Department. Presentations by experts including Dr. Stanley Mukolwe and representatives from the State Department for Children Services offered valuable insights into family policy objectives, parenting and the importance of family in safeguarding children and the family unit.
The forum also benefited from international perspectives that enriched the dialogue and provided a broader context for Kenya’s efforts. Contributions from Dr. Olubasayo Akinola, Alex Vazquez and Renata Kaczmarska emphasized the importance of global and regional collaboration in advancing family welfare. Dr. Olubasayo Akinola in her remarks commended Kenya’s leadership highlighting that “the African Union applauds Kenya’s dedication and leadership in advancing family welfare and protection,” and reaffirmed continued support in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation.
Key topics covered in the workshop included the promotion of positive parenting practices, the need for shared parental responsibility and the importance of adapting to emerging developments such as digital technology and climate change. Participants explored how these factors impact families and emphasized the need for an implementation plan that supports both children and caregivers in an evolving social landscape.
CFFK’s participation ensured that family and community-based care options that are child focused were brought up in these discussions. Through active engagement in plenary sessions and group work, Peter Muthui contributed insights drawn from the organization’s experience in strengthening families and promoting alternative care for children. The discussions highlighted the importance of linking policy with implementation at the community level, ensuring that strategies developed at the national level translate into meaningful change for children and families on the ground.
The workshop concluded with the development of a draft National Implementation Action Plan and clear next steps towards validation and launch. Stakeholders expressed a shared commitment to continued collaboration in revising and implementing the policy. CFFK extends its appreciation to Strathmore University, the Directorate of Social Development and the Directorate of Children Services under the State Department for their excellent work in hosting and facilitating the three-day engagement.
For CFFK, this engagement was a great opportunity to support evidence-based, family centered approaches that protect children and strengthen family units across Kenya. As the country moves forward with the implementation of the Family Promotion and Protection Policy, CFFK remains committed to working alongside government and partners to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, conducive and nurturing family environment.