Kenya stepping up child welfare services, says PS Ageng’o

The Kenyan government is intensifying its efforts to protect and support children nationwide by implementing an integrated approach that includes social protection, parenting training, and digital safety initiatives, according to Principal Secretary Carren Ageng’o of the State Department for Children Welfare Services.

Speaking during a TV interview on Tuesday on KBC Channel 1, PS Ageng’o outlined significant government programmes designed to assist the most vulnerable children. Central to these initiatives is the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Cash Transfer Programme, which currently supports over 400,000 families, equating to more than one million children receiving assistance for food, educational expenses, and other basic needs.

Additionally, she noted that the government is implementing a nutritional support initiative for children under the age of 36 months, targeting extremely poor households to promote healthy early childhood development.

“We also have a nutritional support programme. The ages of 0 to 36 months are crucial for a child’s growth,” she noted.

Support for parenting

To tackle the root causes of child neglect and abuse, PS Ageng’o highlighted a government programme that trains parents in modern parenting techniques. She referenced research indicating that over 70% of child protection cases are associated with parental neglect, making these training sessions essential for prevention.

In situations of conflict or negligence, she stated that her department has adopted “an alternative mediation process, where the children’s officer brings the two parents together to establish a joint parental agreement,” adding, “we recommend this approach first before taking matters to court.”

“We believe in giving families a second chance to co-parent effectively, in the best interests of the child,” Ageng’o remarked.

Online threats and child labour

The PS warned of the emerging dangers children face in the digital environment. “Online child protection is now a major focus. We’re seeing growing risks like cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and unsafe use of dating sites,” she explained. The department has developed guidelines for internet safety and is conducting nationwide awareness campaigns.

She also reaffirmed the government’s strong stance against child labour: “No child under 18 should engage in economic activity. Our children must be in school, and we are working hard to ensure school attendance for all.”

Personal commitment to foster parenting

In a heartfelt personal reflection, PS Ageng’o—who spent 23 years at the Kenya Revenue Authority before her appointment—shared her intention to become a foster parent:

“I have a family. I have one son who is 30 years old. I hope to have many more children, as I am now in the field of foster parenting and look forward to adding to my family. There are many children in institutions who deserve a family setup,” she said.

Ageng’o affirmed her commitment to ensuring inclusive child participation, strengthening child protection laws, and enhancing budget planning based on available revenue and real needs.

“I went to the University of Nairobi and studied for a Bachelor of Education, specializing in Mathematics and Accounting. I love figures, which is why I relate well to the issue of budgeting for children,” she remarked.

“I spent many years in tax administration, which is why I understand how and where we generate revenue. Therefore, when discussing budgeting for children, I must also consider whether we have the revenue to finance that budget,” she added.

Speaking about her passion for child welfare, PS Ageng’o revealed how her upbringing in a large polygamous family inspired her commitment to ensuring no child is left behind.

“My family consists of 32 children, and I am number 30. My father had four wives. My mother had 11 children, and I am number 10. This great man educated all of us. My father believed that children should go to school, even when other parents were not keen on sending their children to school,” she said.