September 9, 2025 (Nairobi, Kenya): In a move to align national efforts with regional child protection goals, Kenyan Government stakeholders gathered in Nairobi from September 8-9, 2025, to develop a National Action Plan for the IGAD Child Policy Framework.
The stakeholders including experts from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Government of Kenya, civil society players and development partners involved in child rights and protection, gathered to consult and develop a National Action Plan (NAP) to support the implementation of the Policy at the national level.
Building on the IGAD Child Policy Framework and its results monitoring framework, experts identified and drafted targeted policy actions, strategic interventions, timelines, and activities aligned with the framework’s core policy focus areas and regional monitoring indicators.
Participants also outlined the financial, technical, and human resources needed for implementation, and established indicators, targets, and timelines to monitor progress and promote accountability throughout the implementation process.
On behalf of the Director, Health and Social Development, Dr. Harriet Nabukwasi, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Expert remarked that the development of the NAP was key in translating regional policy commitments into clear strategies, activities, and timelines at the national level.
“We are all entrusted with identifying strategic priorities that reflect the Kenyan context—priorities that will be implemented through concrete, costed, and time-bound activities under the leadership of relevant government institutions and in collaboration with all partners,” said Dr. Nabukwasi.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary for Children Services at the State Department for Children Services, Mr. Shem Nyakuyu pointed out that the exercise reaffirmed Kenya Government’s national and regional obligation to ensure that every child enjoys their rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.
Mr. Nyakuyu said the Government of Kenya had made progress in expanding access to education, health care, and social protection while strengthening measures against violence, exploitation, and abuse of children.
“The IGAD Child Policy Framework provides a structured platform for the Government of Kenya to coordinate interventions, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and align its priorities with those of the region,” noted Mr. Nyakuyu.
The IGAD Child Policy Framework adopted in December 2024 aims at promoting the rights and welfare of children in the IGAD region.
The Policy Framework outlines Member States’ targeted efforts to respect, protection and fulfil the rights of all children in the region, focusing on ten key policy areas. These are, Child Protection, Child Participation, Education, Health and Nutrition. Others are Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Environment and Climate Change, Social protection, Justice and in Peace and Security.
