Religious leaders from Kenya’s major faith communities have come together under an interfaith platform to endorse an eight-point declaration aimed at protecting children from harmful practices.
The coalition unites the nine member bodies of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), which represent the majority of Kenya’s faith communities. On the Christian side, these include the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), and the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA).
Muslim representation comes from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), and the Shia Ithnasharia Muslim Association, while the Hindu Council of Kenya (HCK) represents the Hindu community.
Together, the coalition is urging the government to fully enforce child protection laws and provide ring-fenced funding at both national and county levels to strengthen child safeguarding. They emphasised that protecting children is a shared moral and legal responsibility that transcends religion, culture, and government.
Inter-faith leaders during the inauguration of the religious guidebook on safeguarding Kenyan children. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Mwambi Mongare, Deputy Director at the State Department for Children Services (SDCS), said Kenya’s legal framework is clear on children’s rights.
“Our core function is to eliminate harmful practices and ensure every decision concerning a child is guided by the best interests of the child, as provided for in the Children Act and Article 53 of the Constitution,” she said.
Mongare highlighted principles of non-discrimination, child participation, and the right to survival and development, noting that children thrive best in family settings.
“Parental responsibility is key. But where children are abused, neglected, abandoned, or trafficked, the State must step in to rescue, protect, and provide alternative family care such as foster care or adoption,” she added, noting that the Children Act 2022 discourages placing children under three years in institutional care and instead promotes family-based solutions.
A Muslim religious leader signs the commitment to protect children. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Linus Nthingai, Executive Director of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, said faith institutions are uniquely positioned to protect children because of their deep community presence.
“Child protection is a common interest. Every child belongs to a congregation somewhere, and if we work together across faiths, our impact will be significant,” he said.
Chief Kadhi Sheikh Sukyan Omar stressed that protecting children is a moral obligation in Islam.
“Children are a sacred trust. Any form of violence against them, whether at home or in places of worship, is a grave injustice. Harmful practices such as FGM have no place in Islam,” he said.
“Faith teachings, national laws, and policies all speak in one voice on the need to safeguard children.”
From the Hindu community, faith representative Sajata called for separating religion from harmful cultural practices.
“The true measure of faith is how we protect the most vulnerable. We must reject traditions that injure children and instead nurture communities where every child is safe and valued,” she said.
Rev. Dennis Ndege, speaking on behalf of Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, said Christian teachings demand active child protection.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord. Any form of violence against them contradicts our faith. Churches must be places of safety, and we are called to speak clearly and act decisively,” he said.
Inter-faith leaders sign the declaration on safeguarding Kenyan children. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Sheikh Abdalla of the Shia community highlighted the role of faith in translating values into action.
“Society bears a collective responsibility. When faith teachings align with the law, we can build nurturing environments where every child is seen, heard, and protected,” he said.
The eight-point declaration calls for:
• Strict enforcement of child protection laws
• Increased, ring-fenced funding for implementation of the Children Act 2022
• Expanded bursaries and social protection to keep vulnerable children in school
• More safe houses and rescue centres in every county
• Zero tolerance for child marriage and abuse
• Stronger law enforcement and accountability
• Recruitment and deployment of child protection officers in every sub-county
• Closer collaboration between the government and religious institutions
Faith leaders emphasised education as the strongest shield against exploitation, noting that children who remain in school are less likely to face early marriage, labour, or abuse.
Dr Elias Agola, Chairperson of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, said religious leaders are ready to champion the declaration nationally.
“We are willing to sign and champion this declaration so that child safeguarding moves from words to measurable action,” he said.
Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe acknowledged the role of faith groups and law enforcement.
“Children are the heartbeat of our nation. Laws alone are not enough; we need collective action from families, faith leaders, and all sectors to ensure every child grows up in safety and dignity,” she said.
She added that the government is working to strengthen rescue systems, create safer community spaces, and support vulnerable children, especially those living on the streets or facing abuse at home.
The interfaith coalition says the declaration marks the beginning of sustained collaboration between religious institutions and the State, with one shared goal: a Kenya where every child is protected, valued, and given the chance to thrive.
Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, and Children Services, Hannah Cheptumo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to child protection, describing children as the foundation of the nation’s future.
“Children are the heartbeat of our nation, and as a government, we have a duty to ensure that every child is nurtured in safety, dignity, and love,” she said.
Cheptumo noted that while Kenya has strong laws, protecting children requires collective responsibility beyond legislation.
“Laws alone cannot protect a child. True change demands action from families, faith institutions, communities, and the State working together,” she said, acknowledging the critical role of religious leaders in preventing abuse and responding to violations.
“Faith leaders remain among the most trusted voices in our society. The Faith for Life handbook provides practical guidance aligned with national laws and global child protection conventions, equipping leaders to respond effectively to abuse and affirm the dignity and value of every child,” Cheptumo added.
CS Cheptumo emphasised that the government remains focused on strengthening rescue, protection, and care systems, ensuring abused and vulnerable children are placed in safe, supportive environments where they can recover and thrive.
