On June 9, 2025, the national launch of the Day of the African Child (DAC) was held at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, ahead of the continental commemoration on June 16. Themed “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010”, the event reflected on Kenya’s strides in prioritizing child welfare through planning and budgeting. It brought together leaders from national and county governments, development partners, civil society, and community stakeholders. Governor Kenneth Lusaka officiated the ceremony, with keynote addresses by CPA Carren Ageng’ō, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children’s Services, and other dignitaries including CS Alfred Mutua, Deputy Governor Jennipher Mbatiany, and representatives from the National Council for Children’s Services and Save the Children. Highlights included Bungoma’s success in Early Childhood Development, particularly the “Uji Programme,” and a commitment to child-sensitive budgeting that integrates children’s voices into public policy and financial planning.

The event underscored the importance of coordinated efforts in safeguarding children’s rights and set the tone for nationwide and continental DAC activities. As the country continues to reflect on progress made since the 2010 call for collective responsibility in child-centered governance, recommendations emerging from the launch include sustaining investment in child rights across all counties, enhancing inter-sectoral collaboration, and ensuring structured participation of children in decision-making processes. Consolation East Africa remains committed to this agenda through community sensitization, advocacy for child-centered policies, and supporting budget tracking to enhance accountability in child welfare programs.