Eri Mathers

Religious leaders hold a unique place in Kenyan society—custodians of values and trusted voices in moments of guidance. Today’s Child Safeguarding Declaration marks a powerful step forward, supported through the@GPtoEndFGM.

Children are the heartbeat of our nation. They carry our hopes & represent the future of a peaceful Kenya. We have a solemn duty to ensure every child is nurtured in safety & love, free from fear and harm. @UNICEFKenya @ChildServicesKE #ChildProtectionSummit2026

A big moment for children in #Kenya. Religious leaders have signed a landmark Child Safeguarding Declaration and launched a new faith-based handbook to help protect children from violence and harm. @irck_info @ChildServicesKE Learn more 🔽 unicef.org/kenya/press-re…

Happening Now! The Religious Leaders’ Summit on Child Protection in Kenya led by Cabinet Secretary @hannawcheptumo #childprotectionsummit2026

I appeared before the Senate to respond to questions regarding the persistent underfunding and operational challenges within the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services particularly the newly established State Department for Children Services. I emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening child protection and welfare by: ✅ Advocating for increased budgetary allocations — including an additional KSh10 billion to expand services and staffing. ✅ Recruiting 500 new Children Officers to address the current shortage and ensure every child is adequately protected. ✅ Enhancing data management and service delivery through the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS). ✅ Streamlining financial management and ensuring full, timely utilisation of allocated funds. With approximately 18 million children across the country, our goal is to ensure that every child’s rights are protected and their welfare prioritised. The Ministry remains steadfast in aligning its efforts with Kenya Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023–2027) and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Sharing an inspiring experience, I had recently in #Garissa that beautifully highlights the impact of the #PositiveParentingProgramme. Launched in 2022 by the #GovernmentofKenya with UNICEF's support. This initiative promotes a safe, nurturing, and nonviolent family environment. Yesterday, I witnessed the profound effects of this programme in Garissa County @GarissaGov, in partnership with Investing in Children & Societies. The atmosphere was electric, and the enthusiasm was palpable. What stood out most strikingly was the active involvement of men, who took centre stage for all the right reasons. They shared their personal journeys with such passion, illustrating the transformative power of positive parenting. Men and women alike spoke fervently about the newfound harmony in their homes. Men are now more than willing to share household chores with their wives, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. They are also eager to engage with other men in their communities, offering parenting support and building stronger connections with their children. Investing in children and positive parenting is not just a moral imperative; it is the foundation for nurturing stronger, kinder, more responsible, and productive citizens and societies. The impact of this programme is far-reaching, contributing significantly to the development of human capital. @CarrenAgengo @UNICEFKenya @ChildServicesKE @LabourSPKE Thanks to our development partners @UKAidKenya @UKGov @USAID @SwedeninKE @Sweden

In Kenya, 3.9 million girls have been married before the age of 18. “#NAWI: Dear Future Me” tells the powerful story of a young girl’s determination to resist child marriage and pursue her education, echoing the hope and resilience of girls everywhere. #EndChildMarriage #IDG2025

Yesterday’s event with @FCDOGovUK and Deputy PM @DavidLammy highlights UK leadership on children’s care with the launch of the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform. UNICEF fully supports these efforts that will allow children to grow up in safe family environments. #UNGA

Every funding cut we face puts children and women’s lives at risk. As we continue lifesaving work across Eastern and Southern Africa, UNICEF calls for commitment from partners and donors to bolster protection #ForEveryChild.

Last week, @ChildServicesKE PS @CarrenAgengo, @CIFFchild & @UNICEFKenya visited Kilifi County to see support for children and adolescents. The team met families supported by #InuaJamii, #PositiveParenting & #OOSC, through cash transfers, skills & improved access to services.

I am deeply shocked by the tragic death of a young girl struck by a stray bullet inside her home, during the Saba Saba (7/7) protests in Kenya. Reports of injured and arrested children are equally alarming. This is unacceptable. Protect innocent lives, especially our children. @UnKenya @CarrenAgengo @NCCS_Ke @EvaUNICEF @SaveChildren_KE @PlanKenya Our full statement: unicef.link/4lJqRgT

UNICEF expresses condolences to families who lost loved ones during the Saba Saba (7 7) protests in Kenya, especially to the family of a young girl who was tragically killed by a stray bullet in her home. Our full statement: unicef.link/4lJqRgT

I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injuries, including those of children, during the recent protests in Kenya. As a community, we must prioritize the safety of our children and take all measures to ensure they are protected from harm. This is their fundamental right.

As we observe the #DayofTheAfricanChild, #DAC2025, on the theme 'Planning & Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress since 2010". In partnership with the State Department of Children Welfare Services, #Kenya, @WorldBankKenya & in collaboration with Honourable Parliamentarians, Parliamentarian Caucusfor Children, National AssemblyBudget& Appropriation Committee @UNICEFKenya convened the meeting on Public Finance for Children advocating #InvestInChildren #StrengtheningSocialServiceWorkForce #TheCostOfInaction

When we fund children’s services, we don’t just fix systems — we secure our future and economic stability. #ChildProtectionKE #Budgeting4Children #ForEveryChildKE #SocialProtectionKE #ChildrenFirst #InvestInChildren

The discussions focused on the gaps in financing child protection, the need to strengthen the workforce, and using data-backed investment cases to advocate for sustainable funding.

As we wrap up our week’s activities in celebration of the Day of The African Child , On June 13th to 14th 2025, the State Department for Children Services, in collaboration with Parliamentarians, UNICEF, and the World Bank, convened an Advocacy Meeting at the Argyle Grand Hotel.

The Parliamentary caucus on children convened by The CRADLE joined the State Dept for Children Welfare in launching a study on the social service workforce. The study aims to allocate funds to child protection systems.

.@UNICEFKenya is joining @childwelfareCWS, Terre des hommes Foundation, civil society & stakeholders for the 5th World Congress on Justice with Children satellite event in Nairobi from 2-4 June 2025. Theme: Advancing child-centred justice to end violence in the justice system.

On #InternationalDayOfFamilies, we celebrate all, especially the resilient ones holding each other together. In Kakuma, I was deeply moved by a child-headed household full of love and courage. They dream of becoming doctors, pilots, and more. They deserve our best.