Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called for greater collaboration between national and county governments to tackle the challenges confronting children across the country.
Addressing a gathering at Masinde Muliro Stadium during this year’s National Day of the African Child celebrations, Lusaka underscored the urgent need for inclusive, child-focused planning and budgeting.
“While we have made progress, troubling realities remain. Many children continue to face neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Others still lack access to quality education, clean water, and safe housing,” Lusaka said. “It is our shared duty — as governments, civil society, parents, and guardians — to ensure that no child is left behind.”
The governor cited several initiatives undertaken by his administration to improve child welfare. These include the rollout of a County Child Protection Policy, expanded maternal and child healthcare services, strengthened immunization efforts, and nutritional support for vulnerable families.
“We have significantly increased funding for Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) and introduced targeted interventions such as the Uji Programme in public ECDE centres,” he noted. “To our children: we see you, we hear you, and we value you. You are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the promise of today.”
Lusaka also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to involving children in policymaking and ensuring that every shilling allocated to child welfare is spent effectively.
The event was presided over by CPA Carren Ageng’o, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children Welfare and Social Protection, who commended Lusaka’s leadership in advancing early childhood education and child protection.
“Bungoma was selected to host this year’s celebrations because of Governor Lusaka’s outstanding efforts in strengthening child welfare frameworks,” Ageng’o said.
Held under the theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights Since 2010,” the event drew stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector, all united in their commitment to promoting children’s rights.
The Day of the African Child, marked every year on June 16, honors the memory of children who died during the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa as they protested for access to quality education.
