Around 700,000 vulnerable children supported by the Children’s Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK) could face homelessness if the government proceeds with its plan to dissolve the agency. Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua pleaded with Members of Parliament (MPs) to intervene and save the organisation, expressing concerns for the welfare of children after his efforts during a Cabinet meeting, chaired by President William Ruto, fell on deaf ears. The agency is already facing a funding crisis, as no money has been allocated to it for the 2025/2026 financial year, which could lead to the disruption of its operations.
CWSK is one of more than 40 government parastatals earmarked for dissolution or merger as part of an initiative to improve operational efficiency and reduce redundancy in the public sector. If the government moves forward with its plan, CWSK could be dissolved, putting at risk confidential documents related to child adoption and foster care, as well as the wellbeing of the children in the agency’s care. Mutua, who appeared before the Departmental Committee on Social Protection, chaired by Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, revealed that he spent over 20 minutes during the Cabinet meeting attempting to convince his colleagues to spare CWSK from the cuts.
He explained that despite writing several letters to the National Treasury requesting funding, the institution’s future remains uncertain. “I spent 20 minutes defending CWSK from being dissolved, but I don’t know why I did not carry the day. There were other Cabinet Secretaries also pushing to save their institutions, and I was told that opening this window would allow too many requests,” Mutua explained.
Members of the CWSK board have since raised the alarm over the potential consequences of the dissolution. They warned that children in the agency’s care, including vulnerable infants, could be forced back onto the streets. Ludeki Chweya, a board trustee, revealed that an estimated 6,000 children sheltered in safe houses after being rescued from exploitation face the risk of death if returned to the streets. Additionally, around 3,000 infants who have been cared for by the institution would have nowhere to go, making them vulnerable to life-threatening situations. “Some of these children were rescued just hours after birth, and if we proceed with these plans, they will have nowhere to go,” said Chweya.
CWSK, which has been in operation for over 70 years, has played a vital role in supporting children, providing care, shelter, health, education, and psycho-social support. This year alone, the institution is supporting 700,000 children, with 937,000 children having received help last year. “Apart from the Ministry sending children to us, we also receive children from other institutions such as the judiciary, the police, and private entities,” Chweya added. The impact of discontinuing CWSK would be severe, with thousands of children, including 2,700 lost children and 171,000 others receiving educational support, facing an uncertain future.
The issue has sparked widespread protest among MPs, with the Social Protection Committee, led by Ng’ang’a, questioning why CWSK was included in the list of agencies marked for dissolution. “We cannot remain silent because we are dealing with the children of Kenya, whose care is under our mandate,” said Ng’ang’a. Kipkelion West MP Hilary Kosegi called the decision “a serious matter,” warning that the futures of 700,000 children could be sealed with a stroke of a pen. “This is a tragedy that should worry all of us,” he said.
Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo emphasised that Kenya must lead by example in caring for its children, while Seme MP James Nyikal demanded an explanation for the decision to dissolve the institution. This development has raised questions about the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and whether the dissolution of such a vital institution is in the best interests of the country’s future.
