Children’s officers from across Kiambu County are undergoing a five-day training programme aimed at strengthening their understanding of care reforms and improving case management for vulnerable children.

The training, being held at a national government hall in Kiambu, is focusing on care reform, effective monitoring and evaluation practices, and the development of skills required to manage child protection cases.

Cornell Okinyi, Director of Consulting Services at Uweza Care, said care reform had come a long way and that the progress made so far demonstrated the importance of sustained efforts by stakeholders.

Okinyi called on all child service providers to work together across departments to improve the welfare of children.

“It has been a long journey, and now I see positive progress from the hard work. Let us work together to make it better and let this workshop enhance the way we handle children who seek our attention,” said Okinyi.

Assistant Director at the State Department for Children Services Jane Munuhe commended the participants, particularly those attending the training for the first time, for responding to the call to improve the lives of vulnerable children.

Munuhe said the establishment of a dedicated State Department for Children Services demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing child welfare as part of a broader global agenda.

She said the programme was supported by the government and noted that measures aimed at strengthening child welfare systems were being pursued to improve efficiency in the protection and care of children.

Speaking during the training, Thika West Sub-County Children’s Officer Lina Mwangi said the enthusiasm demonstrated by the officers showed their commitment to learning more about care reforms.

She urged participants to be intentional in their work, saying training at the sub-county level was important in reaching more people through communities, faith-based organisations and churches.

“This programme has made me realize that the lower we go, the higher the impact. Training at sub-county levels helps us reach a larger audience through communities, faith-based organisations and churches,” said Mwangi.

She added that sensitizing communities on child protection issues would increase awareness and enable families and other stakeholders to identify and respond to cases involving vulnerable children.

Mwangi urged the officers who attended the training to share the knowledge gained with communities and other stakeholders in their areas of operation.

The five-day workshop is expected to strengthen the capacity of children’s officers and other stakeholders to handle child protection cases effectively, while improving monitoring, community awareness, and coordination of services.

The training is also expected to contribute to efforts to ensure vulnerable children receive appropriate support, protection, and care.

By William Tolbert and Grace Naishoo