•County Advances Child Protection with New Policy Framework
Isiolo County has taken a major step in reinforcing child welfare and safeguarding children’s rights by operationalizing its Child Protection Policy 2025.
This move aligns Isiolo with other progressive counties, including Nairobi, Kwale, Bungoma, and Vihiga, which have already adopted similar frameworks to enhance child safety and well-being.
In a bid to bolster the implementation of the policy, the Isiolo County Government, in collaboration with the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), Aga Khan University, and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC_CDRI), organized a two-day sensitization forum.
The event aimed to equip Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) with the necessary knowledge and capacity to support the enforcement of the policy at the grassroots level.
A Commitment to Child Protection
Child protection remains a pressing concern across Kenya, with issues such as abuse, neglect, and exploitation posing significant threats to children’s well-being.
The Isiolo County Child Protection Policy 2025 seeks to address these challenges through a structured approach that emphasizes prevention, early detection, and intervention.
Speaking during the forum, Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa reaffirmed the county’s dedication to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all children.
“It is our responsibility to increase capacity to detect, prevent, and support a child-friendly environment at our ward level. This policy ensures that our children are safe and contributes to their overall well-being and development,” he stated.
Echoing his sentiments, Deputy Speaker David Lemantile commended the initiative and assured the County Assembly’s readiness to approve the policy once it is presented for adoption.
“It is crucial for us to own this document and ensure full implementation once it is adopted,” he affirmed.
Turning Policy into Action
While several counties have already embraced child protection policies, Isiolo’s initiative reinforces a growing national commitment to safeguarding children.
However, the challenge remains in translating policy frameworks into concrete action—ensuring that children across the county receive the protection, care, and support they deserve.
With strong backing from county leadership, Isiolo is well-positioned to integrate child protection measures into its governance structures.
The successful implementation of this policy will not only enhance child welfare in Isiolo but also set a precedent for other counties to prioritize and institutionalize child protection measures.
As Isiolo takes this critical step, stakeholders and child rights advocates hope that more counties will follow suit in ensuring a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for all children in Kenya.
