World Vision Kenya has called on the government of Kenya to
prioritize child protection in national and county budgets.
In a statement, World Vision emphasised that legal reforms
alone are not enough without adequate funding to protect vulnerable children.
It noted that Kenya has made progress in legal and policy
reforms for children’s rights, but more needs to be done, even it urged the
government to use mid-year and supplementary budgets to close funding gaps.
“However, persistent underinvestment in child protection
services continues to expose millions of children to harm, exploitation, and
neglect. With over 22 million children (46% of the population) in Kenya, the urgency
to build and fund reliable protection systems has never been greater.”
WVK National Director Gilbert Kamanga called on all Kenyans
to work together to create a world where children not only survive but thrive
in safe, nurturing environments.
“True transformation in child protection comes from
investing in our children,” he said on the Day of the African Child.
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and
exploitation.”
This year’s theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s
Rights: Progress Since 2010” highlighted both achievements and gaps in
safeguarding children.
World vision also commended the state for the creation of the
State Department for Children Welfare Services.
The NGO noted some of the serious threats children still
face today, where over 4.2 million girls have been married before the age of
18.
It stated that Female Genital Mutilation persists, often in
secrecy, Child labour, trafficking, and abuse remain widespread with over two
million children lack birth registration, locking them out of essential
services.
World vision further called for more allocation including Sh4.5
billion for community child protection, Sh2 billion for national coordination,
and Sh73 billion in cash transfers for vulnerable children.
WVK reaffirmed its commitment to working with all partners
to ensure children thrive in safe environments.