Nairobi, Kenya | 30 June 2026
Consolation East Africa participated in a bi-annual Civil Society Organisations (CSO) stakeholder engagement convened by the National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS) at PrideInn Azure Hotel, Westlands, Nairobi, bringing together government, civil society and development partners to reflect on progress, challenges and priorities in advancing children’s rights and protection in Kenya.
The engagement provided an opportunity for NCCS to share updates on the implementation of its mandate during the first half of the year, including progress under the Children Act, 2022, the national care reform agenda, regulation of Charitable Children’s Institutions (CCIs), adoption services, child welfare programmes, and the development of policies, regulations and guidelines.
A significant focus of the discussions was the ongoing transition from institutional care towards family- and community-based care. NCCS shared progress on the repurposing of CCIs, the development of a transition toolkit, strengthening of child welfare programmes and the establishment of systems to support children and families through the care reform process. The Council also provided updates on the development of the Integrated National Children’s Database, with initial modules focusing on CCIs and adoption services.
The discussions also highlighted areas requiring greater attention. Stakeholders raised concerns around monitoring and evaluation, safeguarding during reintegration, availability of disaggregated data on children—including children with disabilities—financing of Children Advisory Committees, delays in some regulations and policies, and the need for stronger coordination between national and county governments.
Participants emphasized that care reform must remain child-centred and adequately supported by strong safeguarding, monitoring and accountability systems. The need for meaningful participation of children in decisions, policies and guidelines affecting them was also underscored.
The meeting further provided a platform for CSOs to identify opportunities for stronger collaboration with government. Participants called for greater sharing of the NCCS work plan, improved mapping of partner interventions to reduce duplication, wider use of digital platforms for dissemination and public participation, and stronger engagement with county governments to increase investment in children’s services.
For Consolation East Africa, the engagement reinforced the importance of continued collaboration with government and other child-focused actors in strengthening child protection systems, social inclusion and family- and community-based care. As an organisation working with children, young people and vulnerable communities, Consolation remains committed to contributing to approaches that place the best interests, safety, participation and wellbeing of children at the centre of programming.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared responsibility among government, CSOs, development partners, communities and children themselves: to move beyond policy commitments towards practical, coordinated and sustainable systems that enable every child to grow up safely, with dignity, care and opportunity within their families and communities.
Consolation East Africa remains committed to working alongside government and partners to advance this vision.
