By Purity Njoki
In every Kenyan community, there are individuals who stand at the frontline of child protection. Chiefs, assistant chiefs and local leaders including members of the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) are often the first to notice when a child is at risk. They see when a home environment becomes unsafe for a child or when a family begins to struggle. Due to this reason, care reform efforts place strong emphasis on empowering the community champions. Meaningful change does not begin in policies or offices alone. It starts in homes, villages and neighbourhoods where children and families live their daily lives. By equipping those closest to the community, care reform becomes practical and sustainable.
Children thrive best when raised within families and supported by their communities. Unfortunately, many children in Kenya experience neglect, abuse or unnecessary separation from their families. Addressing these challenges requires more than government policy. It calls for the active involvement of community champions including the National Government Administrative Officers such as Regional Commissioners, County Commissioners, Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs. These leaders are well placed to identify children at risk, mobilize support and ensure that families receive the services and guidance they need. This highlights the importance of training and sensitizing them as lasting change begins at the grassroots level.
Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs serve as first responders in child protection. They identify children in unsafe situations, connect families to essential services such as education, healthcare, and psychosocial support and facilitate family-based care options when children are temporarily separated from their families. They also play an important role in addressing cultural beliefs and stigma that may prevent families from fostering children or seeking help. As advocates, mentors and a link between families and child protection systems, they help ensure that the principles of the Children Act 2022 are applied in practice.
Because they live and work within the communities they serve, chiefs and assistant chiefs often identify challenges early. Their responsibilities include monitoring children’s living conditions, reporting concerns, supporting family tracing and reintegration, overseeing foster placements and linking families to social support programs. They also create awareness by educating communities about children’s rights and promoting acceptance of family and community-based care. Empowering these local leaders ensures that interventions reach the children and families that need them the most.
On 23rd and 24th March 2026, Child in Family Focus Kenya (CFFK) in partnership with the State Department for Children Services, Legacy 4 Children (L4C), Weza Care Solutions and Go Economic Empowerment Programme (GEEP Kenya) conducted a two-day Community Champions on Care Reform Training in Kiambu County. The training equipped chiefs, assistant chiefs, NGAO members and other community leaders from Githunguri and Kiambu sub-counties with practical knowledge and tools to better support children and families. Participants learnt about the pillars of care reform, prevention of family separation, alternative care options, tracing and reintegration and support for children with disabilities. The interactive sessions allowed them to practice decision-making and family support strategies that could help strengthen their role as protectors and advocates for children.
Despite their important role, community champions face several challenges. These include limited resources, resistance from families and gaps in coordination with social service agencies. Evidence shows that community-based child protection systems are most effective when local leaders are properly trained and supported. By maintaining strong communication with children’s officers, conducting home visits, documenting cases and engaging communities through awareness and education, these leaders can overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable results.
Community champions are more than implementers of policy. They are mentors, advocates and guardians of children. When they are well trained and supported, they help prevent family separation, strengthen communities and protect the future of Kenya’s children. Initiatives such as the Community Champions training show that equipping local leaders with knowledge and practical skills can turn care reform into meaningful, sustainable and life changing action for children across the country.