Kiambu County is moving to strengthen its child protection systems following a high-level technical working group meeting that brought together government agencies and non-state actors to review the county’s Child Protection and Welfare Policy.
The meeting, convened by the Directorate of Gender & Social Services in collaboration with the State Department for Children Services and partner organisations, focused on improving coordination in addressing child welfare issues across the county.
According to officials, the engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the current policy framework and identify gaps that need to be addressed to better respond to emerging challenges affecting children.
Discussions centred on the need to align efforts between different institutions involved in child protection, with emphasis placed on creating a more structured and coordinated approach to safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.
Stakeholders noted that child protection issues continue to evolve, requiring policies that are not only responsive but also inclusive and adaptable to changing social dynamics within communities.
The forum also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between government agencies and non-state actors, who play a key role in supporting vulnerable children through community-based interventions, advocacy and service delivery.
Participants stressed that effective child protection cannot be achieved in isolation, but through sustained cooperation, timely information sharing, and clear accountability structures among all actors involved.
The review process also aimed at ensuring that the county’s policy framework is aligned with national standards and best practices in child welfare, while still addressing the unique needs of children within Kiambu.
Officials further underscored the importance of early intervention and preventive measures in addressing risks facing children, including neglect, abuse and other forms of exploitation.
The meeting reaffirmed the county’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their overall development through stronger institutional frameworks and improved service delivery systems.
Moving forward, stakeholders are expected to continue engaging through the technical working group to refine the policy and ensure its effective implementation across all levels of governance within the county.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by Kiambu County to strengthen social protection systems and ensure that every child grows up in a safe, supportive and enabling environment.
