Kenya Launches Emergency 90-Day Plan to Combat Child Violence in Central Region
Nairobi, 16 May 2026
Following the tragic discovery of two children’s bodies in Murang’a County’s Kiama River, Kenya’s Gender Cabinet Secretary has unveiled an urgent 90-day initiative to tackle escalating violence against children across Central Kenya’s three counties: Nyeri, Murang’a, and Tharaka-Nithi.
Government Response to Tragic Incidents
Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo announced the comprehensive 90-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) during a high-level Central Region Security and Child Protection meeting on 14 May 2026 [1]. The initiative comes as a direct response to deeply troubling incidents, including the recovery of two children’s bodies from the Kiama River in Gatanga Sub-County, Murang’a County on 10 May 2026 - a boy aged approximately 14 years and a girl aged approximately 9 years [1][2]. Additionally, investigations continue in Tharaka-Nithi County regarding the murder of a missing child in Mukothima [1]. CS Cheptumo described these incidents as “painful, distressing and unacceptable”, noting they point to “a worrying trend involving violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation of children” [1].
Scale of the Crisis
The magnitude of violence against children in Central Kenya has reached alarming proportions, with the Ministry reporting 531 cases of violence in the region [1]. Of these cases, 515 remain pending in court, 10 are currently under investigation, and six are awaiting arrest [1]. Perhaps most concerning is the additional statistic of 680 reported suicide cases across the region [1], highlighting the broader mental health crisis affecting the area’s youth. These figures underscore the urgent need for the government’s coordinated response, which aims to address both immediate safety concerns and underlying systemic issues contributing to child vulnerability.
Multi-Agency Coordination Strategy
The Ministry has strengthened coordination between multiple agencies including the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), child officers, community security teams, schools and health institutions [1]. A crucial component of the response includes the operationalisation of a 24-hour national child helpline and a WhatsApp reporting line at 0722 116 116 to facilitate timely reporting and referral services for affected children and families [1][2]. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is undertaking investigations into all reported cases involving violence against children, with assurances that “any person found responsible will face the full force of the law” [2]. Additionally, Nyumbakumi structures are being strengthened to enhance child protection surveillance, emergency response and case management [2].
Ambitious Timeline and Future Plans
Looking ahead, CS Cheptumo has directed all relevant government agencies to work towards declaring the Central Region SGBV-free within 11 months from 13 May 2026 [1]. A critical multisector meeting is scheduled for 22 May 2026, which will involve multiple ministries, the Judiciary, religious leaders, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), county governments, and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to address the root causes of rising violence [1]. The Ministry is also implementing reforms under the Children’s Act 2022, including the transition from institutional care towards strengthened family and community-based care systems to ensure every child grows in a safe, secure and nurturing environment [2]. Parents, guardians, and caregivers have been urged to closely monitor children’s movements and whereabouts at all times, whilst the Ministry appeals for full public cooperation with authorities to support ongoing investigations [2].