•Authorities in Kilifi County Crack Down on Unregistered Facility Operating Without Government Oversight
Authorities in Kilifi County have shut down an illegal and unregistered children’s rescue centre in Baguo Village, Kakuyuni Ward, rescuing 30 children and arresting a couple accused of operating the unauthorized facility.
The raid, conducted on Monday, was led by Malindi Assistant County Commissioner Irene Munyoki and Malindi Sub-County Children’s Officer Sebastian Muteti, in collaboration with a multi-agency team.
The facility, identified as the Ultimate Security Centre, was found to be operating without government authorization, raising serious concerns about the safety and welfare of the children under its care.
Acting on a tip-off from concerned members of the public, the officials raided the premises and discovered that the children were living in deplorable conditions.
The minors, 18 boys and 12 girls, were found residing in a private house that had been repurposed into makeshift boarding facilities without adequate sanitation or living standards.
According to Munyoki, investigations revealed that the children came from different parts of the country, including Siaya, Kisii, Magarini Sub-County in Kilifi County, and Ukambani, among others.
Despite being in different educational levels, they were all learning in a single classroom, further highlighting the irregularities in the centre’s operations.
Following the closure of the facility, the rescued children were transported to the Malindi Children’s Office using a bus from Kakuyuni Secondary School.
They were later moved to a registered children’s home in Sabaki Ward, where they will receive temporary shelter as authorities work to reunite them with their families.
Children’s Officer Muteti emphasized that the centre was unknown to the government and had not undergone the necessary registration process.
“It is an illegal structure. They call themselves a rescue centre, but they have no registration papers. We are grateful to members of the public who alerted us. We shall take the children to various institutions and the courts for committals so we can reunite them with their families,” he stated.
The arrest of the couple behind the centre raises broader concerns about the proliferation of unregulated children’s institutions in Kenya.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against individuals and organizations setting up unregistered orphanages, rescue centres, and schools without following legal protocols.
Such institutions often lack proper oversight, making children vulnerable to neglect, exploitation, or even trafficking.
The Kilifi County administration has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children.
Officials have reiterated the importance of legal registration for all child welfare institutions to ensure they meet the required standards for safety, education, and proper care.
As investigations continue, the couple remains in police custody at Malindi Police Station, awaiting legal action.
Authorities have assured that due process will be followed, and further inspections will be carried out to identify and shut down any other illegal facilities operating under similar conditions.
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