State Department for Children Services Kenya

The National Child Helpline 116 is a toll-free, 24-hour service that enables members of the public to report child protection concerns and access timely assistance. As part of efforts to expand and scale up the service, the Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng'o, convened a high-level roundtable bringing together key child protection partners and stakeholders.

Addressing the forum, the Principal Secretary noted that the helpline currently receives an average of 1,200 calls daily through its Nairobi and Eldoret call centres. She further observed that stress and depression remain the most reported concerns among children, underscoring the growing need for mental health and psychosocial support services.

Emphasizing the importance of timely intervention, she reminded participants that, “Every missed opportunity to respond is a missed opportunity to help a child.” She also noted that trained counsellors are available through the helpline to provide guidance, psychosocial support, and referrals where necessary.

The meeting brought together Childline Kenya, the lead partner supporting the roundtable, alongside UNICEF, Save the Children, World Vision, the International Rescue Committee, senior officers from the State Department for Children Services, and other stakeholders committed to safeguarding the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of every child.
Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services
Save the Children Kenya
Child Helpline 116 - Kenya

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To our esteemed community and traditional leaders, this year's crucial theme “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa” reminds us that our community’s cleanliness is our prosperity and health. Clean water is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right. Your influence is the key to driving this vital change, breaking barriers, and making reliable, safe water a daily reality for every child in our care. Let us lead the way.
Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services

The State Department for Children Services today participated in a Student Mentorship Programme at Friends Moi Kaptama Girls Secondary School in Bungoma County, led by the Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng'o alongside the Principal Secretary for Mining, Mr. Harry Kimtai.

The mentorship engagement reached more than 500 students, providing an opportunity to inspire learners to pursue academic excellence, uphold integrity, embrace discipline, and make positive life choices. The students were encouraged to believe in their abilities, nurture their talents, and remain focused on their education as a pathway to unlocking opportunities and achieving their aspirations.

In addition, parents and caregivers were sensitized on positive parenting practices, highlighting the critical role of families in nurturing, protecting, and supporting children to achieve their full potential. The engagement emphasized the importance of creating safe, supportive, and responsive environments for children both at home and in school.

As part of the Government's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, participants also took part in a tree-planting exercise that saw 5,000 trees planted, contributing to national efforts to increase forest cover and promote climate resilience.

The State Department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children's rights, promoting child participation, and creating environments where children can thrive, learn, and realize their full potential. Through mentorship and guidance, young people are empowered to become responsible citizens and future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to national development.

The State Department commends the school administration, teachers, parents, and guardians for their continued dedication to nurturing and supporting learners in their educational journey.
Friends Moi Girls Kaptama
Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services

Parents and caregivers play a critical role in ensuring children grow up healthy, safe and protected. As we prepare to commemorate the Day of the African Child 2026, families are encouraged to embrace proper hygiene practices by treating and safely storing water, promoting regular handwashing with soap, and maintaining clean environments for children.
Carren Ageng'o
CS Hanna Cheptumo
Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services

Together with the Cabinet Secretary CS Hanna Cheptumo and other senior Government officials, Principal Secretary for Children Services, CPA Carren Ageng'o visited learners injured in the tragic Utumishi Girls Academy fire incident who are currently receiving treatment.

The visit provided an opportunity to interact with the learners and their families, offer comfort and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the protection, care and wellbeing of every child during this difficult period.

The State Department for Children Services continues to coordinate psychosocial support, trauma counselling and child protection interventions to support the affected learners and their families as part of the ongoing response efforts.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with all the learners, families, teachers and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community as the Nation mourns and heals together.
Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services

Ministry calls for privacy for learners after Utumishi Girls tragedy, warns against sharing minors’ identitie In a press statement issued Thursday, May 28, 2026, the ministry, through the State Department for Children Services, said the incident had resulted in loss of lives and injuries among learners.

Press statement on the fire incident at Utumishi Academy Senior School- Gilgil

Carren Ageng'o
CS Hanna Cheptumo
Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services

Today, together with the Cabinet Secretary CS Hanna Cheptumo , PS CPA Carren Ageng'o , and World Vision Kenya, they led a high-level visit to Koromangucha in Kuria East Constituency, Migori County, where they're affirmed their collective commitment to protecting children, empowering women, and ending harmful practices such as FGM and child marriages.

The visit provided an opportunity to engage with partners, community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders, while witnessing the progress being achieved through community-led interventions in Kuria East and Mabera.

They commended the County Government of Migori, World Vision Kenya, UNICEF, the Anti-FGM Board, faith-based organizations, and grassroots community groups for their tireless efforts in championing the rights, safety, and wellbeing of women and children. Their dedication continues to inspire hope and transformation within communities.

They were also particularly encouraged by the active involvement of young people through the Youth Anti-FGM Network, as well as the growing collaboration between communities in Kenya and Tanzania to address cross-border FGM. Sustainable change can only be achieved when communities themselves become the drivers of transformation.

The Government remains committed to strengthening child protection systems, enforcing the law, promoting education, and supporting community-based solutions that uphold the dignity, safety, and future of every child.

📞 Report child-related emergencies through the National Child Helpline: 116
World Vision Kenya
UNICEF Kenya