Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
The National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS) has announced an ambitious plan to close orphanages and reintegrate orphaned children into their communities.
This initiative was unveiled by the Council’s National Chairperson, Sofia Abdi Noor, during the launch of the national children’s services reform strategy held in Embu town on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Sofia emphasized that the initiative will adhere to children’s laws, ensuring that orphaned children receive appropriate care within their families or under the supervision of designated guardians.
“These reforms will ensure children are raised with love and proper guidance,” she said.
She further explained that the financial grants previously allocated to orphanages will now be redirected to guardians responsible for the care of these children.
This shift is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance the welfare of children and ensure they grow within a community setting.
The Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdi Mohammed, highlighted the employment opportunities from this reform.
“These caregivers will be redeployed as community social workers to monitor the well-being of the children in their respective villages,” said Mohammed.
He added that these reforms will begin immediately, with orphanages ceasing to house children.
“We are committed to ensuring that children receive the best care and become part of their communities, where they can grow up in a loving and supportive environment,” he stated.
Kenya has an estimated 845 privately owned residential institutions of care with about 45, 000 children, as per the records held by the NCCS.
To facilitate the reintegration process, the NCCS has laid down specific guidelines.
These guidelines include thorough assessments of the children’s needs, training for guardians, and continuous monitoring and support from social workers to ensure a smooth transition.
Additionally, community sensitization programs will be conducted to foster a supportive environment for the children.
Justice Lucy Njuguna, presiding judge in the Embu High Court, pledged the judiciary’s support for the initiative.
“We are ready to help foster parents seeking to adopt children to ensure smooth implementation of the national care reforms,” said Njuguna, highlighting the judiciary’s role in aiding the transition.
These reforms are expected to bring significant changes to Kenya’s childcare system, aiming to improve the lives and well-being of orphaned children, allowing them to grow up in a family setting.
Additional report by Staff Writer.
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