Was Honored to join H.E President William Samoei Ruto , other dignitaries, leaders and Kenyan citizens at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County as we celebrated Mashujaa day to honour the heroes and heroines who fought for our independence .

2026 CHILD JUSTICE SUMMIT CHAMPIONS INCLUSIVE AND CHILD-SENSITIVE JUSTICE The 2026 Child Justice Summit was held at CityBlue Creekside Hotel in Mombasa County under the theme **“Invisible Voices, Digital Realities: Advancing Inclusive Child Justice in Kenya.”** The summit brought together key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, promote children's rights and enhance access to justice for all children. Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng’o, the Secretary for Children Services, Mr. Shem Nyakutu, called for collective efforts towards a child-sensitive justice system where every child's voice is heard and their rights protected. The CEO of the National Council for Children’s Services, Mr. Abdinoor Mohamed, emphasised the need for timely determination of children's cases, while Hon. Justice Emmanuel Mbita underscored the constitutional right to a fair hearing. Hon. Lady Justice Teresia Matheka reaffirmed the Judiciary's commitment to addressing emerging child justice challenges, particularly in digital spaces. The summit featured panel discussions, presentations by Bright Begin Special School and Tom Mboya Cerebral Palsy, and commitments by stakeholders to strengthen inclusive child justice. Participating institutions and organisations included FIDA Kenya, SHOFCO, IPOA, the National Legal Aid Service, the National Police Service, DCI, NCPWD, SOS Children's Villages, ODPP, the Communications Authority of Kenya and CREAW, among others. The summit reaffirmed the importance of coordinated action in building an inclusive, responsive and child-friendly justice system that upholds the rights and best interests of every child. To report child protection concerns, call the National Child Helpline 116, toll-free. #ChildJusticeSummit2026 #ChildProtection #AccessToJustice #ChildrenRights #SDCS

Today , the Principal Secretary Carren Ageng'o joined H.E President William Samoei Ruto in Launching the NATIONAL DIGITAL CLASS EXPERIENCE a program implemented Under the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP). The National Launch was held at Kiminini Junior school Led by H.E President William Samoei Ruto assisted by PSs in other counties where similar launch was done. This program is advancing Kenya’s efforts to build an inclusive, technology-driven and future-ready education system. In Kisumu County, the Principal Secretary was honored to grace the launch at Obambo Junior School in Kisumu West bringing together learners , Political leaders , education and ICT ministry officials teachers union officials, parents and all stakeholders. The Digital literacy program equips teachers with laptops and interactive smart boards to enhance classroom instruction and support the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework. Implemented by the ICT Authority and the Ministry of Education under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), with support from the World Bank, the programme targets all public Junior Schools in Kenya . Under Phase 1; 10,382 public Junior Schools across all 47 counties are set to receive smart boards and laptops, expanding access to digital learning tools and strengthening teachers’ capacity to integrate technology into everyday teaching and learning. In Kisumu following the successful launch today , distribution is ongoing for 305 public Junior Schools with an additional 370 JSS schools set to receive the devices next year by March 2027. Present during the launch were; Dr.Mathew Owili CBS - Deputy Governor, Kisumu County , Kisumu East MP Hon. Shakeel Shabir, Kisumu County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo, Representatives of other Members of parliament from Kisumu County, ICT Authority officials Led by Secretary ICT , Kisumu County Director of Education , the teaching fraternity officials led by Kisumu County KNUT and KUPPET chairpersons alongside other representatives ; Learners from Obambo Junior school

The Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng’o, was joined by the County Commissioner for Kisumu, Mr. Mohamed R. Mwabudzo; Kisumu County CECM for Water, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Ms. Judith Oluoch; Kisumu County Forest Conservator, Mr. David Rono; Media and Environment Champion, Mr. Trevor Ombija; Secretary Children Services, Mr. Shem Nyakutu; and representatives from the National Council for Children Services and the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, among other national, regional and county leaders, to mark Mazingira Day 2026 at Kadero Village, Koguta Forest, Central Koguta Sub-location, Thurdibuoro Location, West Nyakach Ward, Nyakach Sub-County. Today's celebrations featured the launch of a campaign to grow trees in this rainy season across gazetted and non-gazetted forests, supporting H.E. President William Samoei Ruto’s agenda to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 and increase Kenya’s forest cover. Schools and community groups showcased environmental stewardship, highlighting the role of communities, particularly children and young people, in conservation, climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management. In her remarks, the PS called for collective responsibility and sustained public participation in protecting the environment, in line with this year’s theme, “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.” She also highlighted State Department programmes supporting vulnerable children and families, including the Presidential Secondary School Bursary and Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, reaffirming the need for continued action to promote child well-being and environmental conservation. The occasion concluded with the flag-off of food supplies for public distribution underscoring the State Department’s commitment to vulnerable communities, child welfare and environmental stewardship. To report child protection concerns or emergencies, call National Child Helpline 116. The service is toll-free and available to all.

The Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng’o, today received a joint delegation from the United States Department of State and AMPATH Uzima to discuss the transition and sustainability of programmes supporting children and families, particularly through the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS). Ms. Heidi O’Bra, Health Lead at the US Department of State, appreciated the partnership among the three institutions and expressed confidence in the positive impact of the programmes. The meeting provided an opportunity to review progress, share lessons learned and discuss how to ensure continued implementation of the programmes. Professor Sylvester Kimaiyo reaffirmed AMPATH Uzima’s commitment to transferring the knowledge and experience gained to support continuity and sustainability. The Principal Secretary emphasised the need for stronger collaboration in collecting and managing child-related data at the household level to help establish a national child data repository. This would support better planning, decision-making and delivery of child protection services. She also called for strengthening Child Helpline 116 to ensure children across the country can report concerns and receive timely assistance and protection. The State Department for Children Services remains committed to working with partners to protect children and promote their rights and welfare. To report child protection concerns or emergencies, call National Child Helpline 116. The service is toll-free and available nationwide. @StateDept @ampathkenya

Happy Customer Service week!

The State Department for Children Services technical team held a meeting with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) team to deliberate on the way forward for the implementation of activities under the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery (PLEAD II). The discussions focused on strengthening child justice and protection systems, including digital case management, access to legal aid, capacity building of children’s officers, protection of children in digital spaces, and enhanced coordination among justice and child protection actors. The engagement reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening child-friendly justice systems and ensuring timely, coordinated and accessible protection and legal services for children. To report child protection concerns or emergencies, call the National Child Helpline 116. The service is toll-free and available to all. @UNODCEastAfrica

Strengthening Partnerships for Child Protection and Early Childhood Development Today, the Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng'o, received a delegation from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) led by Head of Programs, Mr. Clayton Maring. The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration in child protection, family strengthening, positive parenting, family-based care, and Early Childhood Development (ECD). The Principal Secretary appreciated CRS for its continued partnership with the State Department for Children Services and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening child protection systems and ensuring that interventions are aligned with national policies and priorities. Discussions also explored CRS support towards strengthening the 116 Child Helpline, real-time reporting, child tracking, data utilization, and the Child Protection Management Information System (CPMIS). The Principal Secretary emphasized the importance of Government-led collaboration with both National and County Governments, noting that investments should strengthen and support the implementation of existing policies and systems. The State Department reaffirmed its commitment to working with CRS and other partners to advance the protection, care, development, and well-being of every child. To report any child protection and emergencies issues dial toll-free National Child Helpline 116 @Migecah_Ke @CatholicRelief

PRINCIPAL SECRETARY CHAMPIONS RESPONSIBLE MEDIA FOR STRONGER CHILD PROTECTION The Principal Secretary, State Department for Children Services, Carren Ageng'o today presided as the Chief Guest at the official launch of the 2026 Child Rights & Protection Media Awards (CRAPMA) at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, under the theme: “For Every Child, Every Right: Amplifying Children’s Voices Through Responsible Media and Digital Advocacy.” In her address, the Principal Secretary underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding, influencing social norms, exposing child protection concerns and strengthening accountability. She called on journalists and digital content creators to embrace ethical, child-sensitive, evidence-informed and solutions-oriented reporting that protects children’s dignity, privacy and best interests. The Principal Secretary further highlighted the scale of child protection concerns, noting that 231,025 child protection cases were recorded through the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) during the 2025/2026 Financial Year, underscoring the need for timely intervention, stronger prevention and sustained public awareness. She urged the media to go beyond reporting incidents by highlighting solutions, community initiatives and individuals contributing to the safety and wellbeing of children, while amplifying the voices and experiences of children as rights holders. The Awards are convened by Children Rights Advocacy and Legal Aid Foundation (CRALAF), in collaboration with the State Department for Children Services and other partners bringing together Government, media, civil society, development partners, communities and children around a shared commitment to advancing children’s rights and protection. The Principal Secretary commended CRALAF, the media fraternity and all partners for their collaboration in reviving the Awards following the last edition in 2015, and encouraged journalists, media houses and digital creators to participate by submitting work that demonstrates ethical practice, child sensitivity, public interest and meaningful impact. The launch also marked the official opening of the Call for Entries and Nominations, with submissions closing on 23rd October 2026 at midnight. The Awards ceremony will be held on 20th November 2026, in commemoration of World Children’s Day. Every Story Matters. Every Child Counts. Every Voice Protects.

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Issue 32 of our e-newsletter is out! Kindly have a look. drive.google.com/file/d/1Ghp…

As Kenya advances its digital transformation agenda, the State Department for Children Services remains committed to ensuring that children are not only able to access technology, but are also equipped with the knowledge, skills and safeguards to use it safely, responsibly and meaningfully. On the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, the State Department for Children Services, represented by the Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng'o , alongside the Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, joined H.E. First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto at the “Fostering the Future Together” event. The high-level forum brought together governments, the private sector and technology partners from across the world to explore key areas shaping the future of children in the digital age, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, EdTech innovation, online child protection, digital literacy and digital skills development. The event culminated in the signing of a landmark partnership between the Government of Kenya and Intel Corporation to advance the AI for Citizens Programme, creating opportunities for children and young people to acquire relevant digital and AI skills and benefit from technology in safe, inclusive and innovative ways. The State Department for Children Services reaffirms its commitment to strengthening online child protection, digital literacy and access to safe digital opportunities, as part of our shared responsibility to ensure that every child is protected, empowered and able to flourish in the digital era.

STRENGTHENING KOREA–KENYA COOPERATION ON CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFETY While in the Republic of Korea, the Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng’o, visited the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC), a government institution under the Ministry of Health and Welfare mandated to coordinate and strengthen child-related affairs, with a focus on the safety, rights and well-being of children. The Principal Secretary held discussions with the senior leadership of NCRC, led by its President, Kim You Im, in a meeting attended by H.E. Prof. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the Republic of Korea. The engagements provided an opportunity to exchange experiences on Korea’s child protection system, particularly in relation to inter-agency coordination, missing children's response, and the use of technology to enhance child safety, of particular interest was Korea’s coordinated approach involving government agencies, law enforcement agencies, telecommunications providers and the public in responding to cases of missing children. The system includes prompt reporting, public alerts, telecommunications support and extensive use of CCTV infrastructure to facilitate rapid tracing and family reunification. The delegation also engaged with strategic technology partners to explore innovative solutions that can strengthen child protection in Kenya. Discussions were held with Jia Soft, led by CEO Mr. Joong Song, on location-based tracking and SOS technologies, as well as Kiwi Plus, represented by Director Mr. Dong In Lee, on GPS-enabled child safety solutions, including real-time location tracking, Safe Zone alerts and emergency SOS services. These engagements are expected to provide opportunities for continued knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration between Kenya and the Republic of Korea, particularly in leveraging technology to strengthen prevention, response and protection mechanisms for children. The State Department for Children Services remains committed to building strategic partnerships that translate global knowledge, research and innovation into tangible improvements in child protection and welfare in Kenya. Children, as the country’s future human capital, remain at the centre of these national development priorities. The State Department appreciates the Kenya Embassy in Seoul under the leadership of H.E. Prof. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi, for facilitating these important engagements and advancing Kenya–Korea cooperation in the area of child protection.

Principal Secretary @CarrenAgengo will present Kenya’s childcare landscape and reform priorities at @Migecah_Ke’s Pan-African dialogue at #UNGA81, as well as joining a panel with peers from Ethiopia and South Africa to exchange experiences on advancing quality childcare. #UNGA81 #Childcare @AxumEarth

RIGHT TO LEISURE, RECREATION AND PLAY Did you know..... every child has the right to leisure, play and participation in non-harmful cultural and artistic activities? Under the Children Act, 2022, Government, parents and guardians have a responsibility to facilitate children’s access to safe opportunities for play and recreation. County Governments are also required to designate accessible public play and recreational facilities in estates and villages, including for children with disabilities. Play is essential to children’s growth, well-being, creativity and social development. Let us create safe, inclusive spaces where every child can play, explore, learn and thrive. Every child deserves time and space to play.

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE According to UNICEF, an estimated 1.2 million children in Kenya have experienced online sexual exploitation and abuse, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protection of children in the digital space. Online sexual exploitation and abuse can take many forms, including grooming, unwanted sexual conversations or requests for sexual images, coercion or blackmail, sharing sexual images without consent, and livestreaming or facilitating sexual abuse through digital platforms. Importantly, the perpetrator may be a stranger or someone the child already knows. Parents, caregivers and guardians: Talk openly with children about online safety. Know the platforms they use, encourage appropriate privacy settings, teach them not to share personal or private information, and create an environment where they can report uncomfortable experiences without fear of blame or punishment. Communities, schools and service providers: Stay vigilant, strengthen digital safety education, challenge harmful behaviours, and ensure children who experience abuse receive timely protection, psychosocial support and appropriate assistance. Children: Remember you have the right to be safe online. If someone makes you uncomfortable, asks for inappropriate content, threatens or pressures you online, do not keep it a secret. Tell a trusted adult and seek help. Protecting children online is a shared responsibility. Let us create safer digital spaces where every child can learn, connect and grow without fear of exploitation or abuse. For help and to report child protection concerns, call the Child Helpline 116 — FREE, 24 hours a day. Kindly download this safe online book to educate our children. drive.google.com/file/d/1tLT… #KeepChildrenSafeOnline #ChildProtection #OnlineSafety #EndChildExploitation #ChildHelpline116 #EveryChildMatters