Meru County is poised to launch its inaugural Children’s Policy in 2025, marking a significant stride in child welfare and aligning with the National Care Reform Strategy (NCRS) and the Children Act 2022.
This initiative follows Murang’a County’s pioneering efforts in 2024, where a collaborative approach with the Catholic church led to the development of a comprehensive policy addressing child neglect and abuse.
The forthcoming Meru County Children’s Policy aims to transition from institutional care to family and community-based care, reflecting the national goal of ensuring all children grow up in nurturing family environments by 2032.
The process is supported by organizations like the Catholic Diocese of Meru, Meru Children and Adult Welfare (MECAWE), and Legacy for Children (L4C), which have been instrumental in training journalists and stakeholders on child reintegration strategies.
The policy will also address pressing issues such as Meru’s high teenage pregnancy rate, which has continued to rise in recent years.
By incorporating community-driven solutions and emphasizing the importance of family-based care, Meru county aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for its children.
Importantly, the process will also include direct engagement with children to ensure that their voices and needs are meaningfully reflected in the final policy framework.
Speaking about the policy, County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Sports, and Social Development Elias Murega pledged his full support for such a noble task, stating,
“Children are a very integral part of the community and they should feel protected, loved, and nurtured.”
He also called on every stakeholder to ensure the welfare of every child is prioritized.
In his closing remarks, Murega, on behalf of Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, reaffirmed the county government’s dedication.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to work closely with all relevant committees and stakeholders to ensure timely approval and effective implementation of the policy. This endeavor marks a significant milestone in promoting the protection, rights, and welfare of children across Meru County,” he said.
As Meru County prepares to implement this policy, it joins other counties like Mombasa, Turkana, Kakamega, and Nyamira, which have already launched similar initiatives.
This collective movement underscores a national commitment to enhancing child welfare across Kenya.
The 5-day forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including religious leaders, social workers, institutional managers, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), the media, members of the Court Users Committee, and child protection specialists.
