By Purity Njoki.
On 30th June 2026, child protection actors from across Kenya came together at the Child Protection Stakeholders Forum convened by the National Council for Children Services (NCCS) at PrideInn Hotel. The forum brought together representatives from the National Council for Children Services, the State Department for Children Services, Civil Society Organizations and other key stakeholders committed to improving the lives of children. Child in Family Focus – Kenya (CFFK) was represented by the Director, Peter Kamau, who joined the other stakeholders in discussions on strengthening collaboration within the child protection sector. The forum provided an opportunity for the National Council for Children Services to update stakeholders on its current programmes, present its work plan and share opportunities for strategic partnerships.
Children face different challenges including; abuse, neglect, violence, exploitation and family separation. No single organization can address these challenges alone. Protecting children requires government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, communities and families to work together. Participants also learnt more about the Council’s mandate and discussed how different organizations can contribute to achieving better outcomes for children. The discussions emphasized on the importance of working together to build a stronger child protection system that serves the best interests of every child.
A strong child protection system depends on every stakeholder understanding their role and working towards a common goal. Government agencies provide leadership, develop policies and coordinate services while civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, healthcare providers and communities support children and families through prevention, response and advocacy. When all these actors work together, they are able to identify children at risk, respond to their needs and ensure that no child is left behind.
One of the key highlights of the forum was the open dialogue between stakeholders. Participants asked questions, shared experiences from their work and explored practical ways of strengthening collaboration across the country. The discussions emphasized that effective child protection depends on; strong coordination among child protection actors, regular information sharing and communication, joint planning and collaboration, and building partnerships that place the best interests of children at the centre of every decision. Another key message from the forum was the importance of continuous dialogue among child protection stakeholders. Regular meetings provide an opportunity to share lessons, discuss emerging issues affecting children and identify practical solutions together. They also help organizations stay informed about national priorities, strengthen partnerships and ensure that child protection efforts are well coordinated for greater impact.
The stakeholders expressed their appreciation to the National Council for Children Services for
organizing the forum which to them was an important platform for learning, networking and
collective action. They noted that regular stakeholder engagements can help address many of the child protection challenges experienced across the country while strengthening the systems that safeguard children. They also hope that similar forums would continue to be held regularly to promote learning, strengthen partnerships and improve coordination across the child protection sector.
As members of the public, everyone has a role to play in protecting children. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, neighbour or a community member, you can contribute by reporting cases of abuse or neglect, supporting vulnerable families, promoting children’s rights and creating safe spaces where children can grow and develop. By working together and remaining vigilant, we can build stronger communities where every child is protected, valued and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
For CFFK, participating in such forums is an opportunity to learn, share experiences and contribute to national efforts that promote family and community-based care and strengthen child protection systems. Let us all remember that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can create an environment where every child grows up safe, protected and surrounded by the care and support they deserve.
