In a powerful step toward strengthening family and community-based care, the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya – Catholic Care for Children in Kenya (AOSK-CCCK) hosted a Startup Workshop for CCI Administrators in January 2025. This gathering was not just an orientation—it was a call to action, a crucial moment in the ongoing mission to ensure children grow up in nurturing family environments rather than institutions.
Empowering Administrators with National Guidelines
The workshop focused on enlightening Child Care Institution (CCI) Administrators about Kenya’s National Guidelines on Child Welfare Programs and the Children’s Act 2022. These guidelines set minimum care standards and provide a clear framework for state and non-state actors to implement childcare programs that uphold children’s rights.
With an emphasis on family and community-based care, the guidelines aim to:
✔ Prevent unnecessary institutionalization of children.
✔ Strengthen family-based reintegration through structured support.
✔ Ensure proper coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of child welfare programs.
✔ Align Kenya’s child welfare efforts with Vision 2030’s Social Pillar.
The unveiling of these guidelines marked a transformative moment, emphasizing holistic child development, including health, education, safety, and emotional well-being.
Understanding the Children’s Act 2022
The Children’s Act 2022 was another critical focus, equipping CCI administrators with the legal framework to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Key provisions include:
🔹 Mandatory Reporting: Individuals and institutions must report suspected child abuse and neglect, with legal consequences for failure to do so.
🔹 Strong safeguarding measures: Ensuring children’s well-being through family tracing, alternative care, and community-based reintegration.
A Pledge for Change: Commissioning CCI Administrators
Beyond gaining legal and policy insights, CCI administrators participated in a formal commissioning ceremony, reaffirming their commitment to Phase II of the CCCK program. With renewed motivation, they pledged to partner with CCCK to:
✅ Transition more children from institutions to families and alternative care.
✅ Strengthen community involvement in child protection.
✅ Advocate for policy implementation and sustainable care reforms.
A surge of excitement and purpose filled the room as AOSK Executive Secretary Sr. Pasilisa Namikoye led the official launch of Phase II. As the new banner was unveiled, administrators passionately recited the program’s objectives, igniting a shared vision for change.
