As the world marks World Children’s Day under the theme, ‘My day, my rights’, World Vision Kenya is calling on all Kenyans to stand together for the rights, safety, and well-being of children. Across Kenya, many children still face barriers to health, education and protection, and too often, their voices go unheard. Today is a reminder that children are not just the future, but part of our society, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are respected, supported and empowered.
Global SituationChildren around the world are under serious threat: an estimated 333 million children now live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than about USD $ 2.15 (Ksh. 280) a day.1 Meanwhile, over a quarter of all children globally (27.9%) are multidimensionally poor, meaning they lack access to essential services such as health, education, sanitation, and housing.2 On top of this, climate change is disrupting their education. At least 242 million students in 85 countries saw their schooling interrupted in 2024 due to heatwaves, floods, storms and droughts.
3Kenya’s Local ContextIn Kenya, the challenge is deeply felt. According to UNICEF and national statistics, around 55% of children are multidimensionally poor, deprived of several basic needs and services such as water, nutrition, education, and sanitation.
4That’s roughly 10.4 million children, according to recent data.5These deprivations make many children vulnerable not only to poverty but also to health risks, low school attendance, and poor protection.
World Vision Kenya’s Impact on Children over the last 5 yearsOver 2,509,847 children were reached across all sectors, benefiting from programs designed to improve safety, education, health, resilience, and participation.• Child Protection & Participation: 169,960 children accessed child protection programs, life skills education, mentorship, spiritual nurture, and opportunities to participate in decisionmaking at family and community levels.•
Health & Nutrition: 564,772 children received healthcare support, including nutrition interventions, vaccinations, and improved access to essential health services, enhancing survival and well-being.•
WASH: 539,272 children benefited from water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, reducing disease, improving school attendance, and promoting safer environments at home and in schools.
Disaster Management: 474,580 children received emergency support during floods, droughts, and other crises, including food, shelter, psychosocial services, and safe spaces to continue learning.•
Livelihoods & Resilience: 473,485 children were indirectly supported through family and community economic empowerment programs, improving household food security, school access, and long-term resilience.•
Faith & Development: 94,415 children engaged in spiritual nurture activities, mentoring, and children’s fellowships, building emotional resilience, moral guidance, and community belonging.•
Education & Skills (CESP): 530,987 children participated in education and skills development initiatives, including early learning programs, life skills training, and mentorship, preparing them for a brighter future.
These integrated interventions have transformed the lives of millions of children, strengthening family bonds, building resilience, reducing vulnerability to violence and abuse, and empowering children to actively participate in shaping their communities.“
We strongly believe that every child has a right to reach their full potential, but we cannot achieve these goals on our own,” said Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of World Vision Kenya. “Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are voices and agents of change today. Yet millions of children in Kenya still face hunger, violence, and limited opportunities. We must all work together to ensure no child is left behind.”
Call to ActionWorld
Vision Kenya calls on all stakeholders to unite for children’s rights and well-being:•
- Government to strengthen child protection systems and invest in education and health for the most vulnerable.•
- Civil society & faith leaders to promote child safety and amplify children’s voices.•
- Communities & parents to build safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.•
- Private sector & donors to invest in sustainable solutions that empower children and families.•
- Children themselves need to speak up, dream boldly, and shape the future they deserve.
