Friday, 28 February, 2025
Social Protection Committee raises alarm over withdrawal of Child Welfare Society Funding๐๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ฒ, ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ
Increased child trafficking, child exploitation and displacement over 3000 children in safe houses is likely to happen if funding to the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK) is cut.
This follows the Governmentโs decision to stop funding for the society as presented by CWSK. Currently, the Society supports over 700,000 vulnerable children across the country.
During a meeting to review the 2025/2026 Budget Policy Statement, representatives from CWSK presented these concerns to the Committee chaired by Hon. Alice Ngโangโa.
Legislators engaged Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, along with other ministry officials, on the implications of the funding withdrawal.
The Committee acknowledged the critical services CWSK provides, including rescuing orphans and abandoned children, supporting children with severe disabilities, operating safe houses, facilitating adoption and foster care, and shielding children from dangers such as child labor.
Dr. Mutua stated that the decision aimed to address inefficiencies in resource utilization. However, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the Committee that he had raised concerns to prevent disruption of essential child welfare services.
Lawmakers were dissatisfied with this response and further deliberated on the matter stating the issue was not to be taken lightly and needed immediate attention to ensure vulnerable children are protected.
โWe are talking about the welfare and protection of Kenyan children. This Committee understands and appreciates the crucial role CWSK plays in safeguarding them. What happens to these children once the funding is halted?โ asked Hon. Alice Ngโangโa.
Hon. James Nyikal questioned whether an impact assessment had been conducted to fully understand the effects of the decision, while Hon. Susan Ngugi reaffirmed the necessity of continued funding.
โThe Child Welfare Society of Kenya must continue to be funded,โ she insisted.
Legislators emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable children and their families.
โIf you do not care about your own children, why should donors care?โ Vice-Chairperson Hon. Hilary Kosgei challenged the Cabinet Secretary, warning that the lives of 700,000 children should not be jeopardized by a policy directive.
The Committee is scheduled to hold more meetings with the Cabinet Secretary and other stakeholders in the coming week with a resolve to ensure Kenyaโs children and her future are protected.