Ministry of Labour Announces Plans to Certify Children’s Homes

Ministry of Labour Announces Plans to Certify Children’s Homes

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has announced a nationwide certification drive targeting all children’s homes. The goal? To regulate operations, enforce proper standards, and safeguard children’s rights.

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua made the announcement during the handover of the State Department for Children Welfare Services to newly appointed Principal Secretary Carren Ageng’o on Wednesday, April 23.

“We are moving to regulate children’s homes through a structured certification process to ensure proper standards are upheld,” said Mutua.

No Date Yet, But Change Is Coming

Although the CS didn’t reveal when the process will begin, the commitment is clear. With support from PS Shadrack Mwadime, Joseph Motari, and Carren Ageng’o, the ministry aims to transform child protection services across the country.

Mutua emphasized that this action will work in tandem with the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK) to ensure children’s homes are safe, clean, and fit for purpose.

Focus on Street Children and Rehabilitation

Moreover, the government is ramping up efforts to reduce the number of street families. By scaling up rehabilitation centers, the ministry hopes to equip rescued children with life skills and restore their dignity.

“Our next focus is to scale up rehabilitation centres to equip rescued children with life skills,” said the CS.

This effort is expected to help more children grow into productive and empowered members of society.

Fighting Child Abuse and Trafficking

The ministry is also taking a firm stand against child trafficking and harmful cultural practices, especially Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

“We are committed to protecting children’s rights—ensuring they have access to food, shelter, and protection,” Mutua emphasized.

He further stressed the importance of family values, kinship adoption, and the urgent need to protect children from violence, drug abuse, media exploitation, and sexual abuse.

A Response to Rising Public Concern

This bold move comes just two months after CS Mutua was questioned by Parliament’s Social Protection Committee over the government’s suspension of funding to the CWSK—an agency that supports over 700,000 vulnerable children.

Mutua defended the decision, citing resource inefficiencies, but also assured that efforts were being made to sustain vital child services.

The CWSK remains instrumental in rescuing orphans, aiding children with disabilities, running safe houses, and facilitating adoption and foster care.

ALSO READ: Uasin Gishu: Youths Stranded After Arriving for Non-Existent Government Jobs

Ministry of Labour Announces Plans to Certify Children’s Homes