Data on the Status of Children in Kenya

According to the United Nations, the estimated population of children under the age of 18 in Kenya was approximately 19 million in 2021. This represents a significant portion of the total population, which was estimated to be about 53 million people. Children in Kenya face a range of challenges, including poverty, limited access to education and health care, and discrimination. Despite some progress in recent years, much work remains to be done to ensure that all children in Kenya have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

General Information	2019 Census
Total Population	47,500,000
Total Population Under 18	21,850,000
Percent Population Under 18	46 %
Mean Household Size	3.9 People
Prevalence of Female-Headed Households	36.1 People
Prevalence of Child-Headed Households
World Bank GNI Status	Lower Middle Income Country
Human Development Index	0.579 UNDP, 2018
GINI Coefficient	40.8
Living Below Poverty Line	41.5 %

Source: Better Care Network Website

Child Protection in Kenya

Kenya has made significant progress in improving the well-being of its children in recent years, but there are still many challenges that must be overcome. According to UNICEF, the country has achieved many of the Millennium Development Goals related to child health, including reducing child mortality rates and increasing access to safe water and sanitation.

However, poverty remains a major challenge for many children in Kenya. Nearly 60 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and this has a direct impact on children's ability to access basic services such as health care and education. Many children are forced to work to support their families, and girls are often married off at a young age, which puts them at risk of abuse and exploitation.

Another major challenge for children in Kenya is access to education. Although the government has made education a priority, many children still lack access to quality schools and teachers. Additionally, poverty and cultural beliefs often prevent girls from attending school, which perpetuates gender inequality and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

Health is another major concern for children in Kenya. Malnutrition is widespread, and many children suffer from preventable diseases such as malaria and diarrhea. Access to basic health care is limited in rural areas, and many families cannot afford to pay for medical treatment.

The situation for children with disabilities is particularly challenging. They face stigma and discrimination, and many are unable to attend school or receive adequate medical care. Children with disabilities are often excluded from mainstream society, and they lack access to basic services and opportunities.

Generally, while Kenya has made significant progress in improving the well-being of its children, there is still much work to be done. Poverty, lack of access to education and health care, and discrimination against children with disabilities remain major challenges. Addressing these issues requires a sustained effort by the government, international organizations, and the wider community to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Current Status of Child Protection as of 2022

Child protection remains a significant challenge in Kenya. Although the government has taken steps to improve the situation, including passing laws to protect children from abuse and exploitation, these efforts have not always been effectively implemented. As a result, many children in Kenya continue to experience forms of abuse and exploitation, including child labor, child marriage, and sexual abuse.
In particular, girls are often subjected to harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage, which can have lasting physical and psychological effects. Children with disabilities are also at increased risk of abuse and exploitation, and they often lack access to basic services and opportunities.
In addition, children in Kenya are also vulnerable to violence and exploitation in conflict-affected areas. The country has experienced a number of ethnic and political conflicts over the years, and children have been directly affected by violence, displacement, and recruitment into armed groups.
The government and international organizations have made efforts to address child protection issues in Kenya, including implementing programs to prevent child labor and early marriage, and supporting the rehabilitation of child soldiers. However, much more needs to be done to ensure that all children in Kenya are protected from abuse and exploitation, and to create a safe and supportive environment for them to grow and develop.
Therefore, child protection remains a major challenge in Kenya, and much work remains to be done to ensure that all children are safe and protected from abuse and exploitation. Addressing this issue requires sustained efforts by the government, civil society organizations, and the wider community to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment
According to the Economic Survey Report (2022), the total number of child protection cases reported to the Department of Children Services increased from 146,881 in 2020 to 191,766 in 2021 while cases related to Violence Against Children (VAC) increased to 147,352 in 2021. In contrast, reported cases on child trafficking reduced from 2,523 in 2020 to 1,976 in 2021. A total of 13.1 tonnes of dangerous drugs were seized in 2021 compared to 10.9 tonnes in 2020.

Children at Risk of Separation

According to the Economic Survey (2022):

Reported Protection Cases: the total number of child protection cases reported to the Department of Children Services increased from 146,881 in 2020 to 191,766 in 2021.

Violence Against Children (VAC): cases related to VAC increased from 106,578 in 2020 to 147,352 in 2021. In contrast, reported cases of child trafficking reduced from 2,523 in 2020 to 1,976 in 2021.

Children and Young Persons in Conflict with Law: the number of convicted child (under 18 years) prisoners increased by 17.0 percent from 347 in 2020 to 406 in 2021. Similarly, the number of young-adult-prisoners of age 18-25 years increased sharply from 12,487 in 2020 to 28,956 in 2021.

Refugee Children: The number of children registered as refugees and asylum seekers increased by 6.6 percent to 288,063 in 2021.

Vulnerable Children: Cases of vulnerable children increased from 5,783 in 2020 to 7,227 in 2021.

Child Custody: cases of child custody increased by 8.6 percent from 27,140 in 2020 to 29,465 in 2021.

Child Trafficking: There was however a decrease in child trafficking cases by 21.7 percent from 2,523 in 2020 to 1,976 in 2021.

Source: Economic Survey 2021

Children Living Arrangement

In Kenya, children's living arrangements vary depending on a number of factors, including family structure, socio-economic status, and cultural practices. The traditional family structure in Kenya is extended, meaning that multiple generations of a family often live together under one roof. In such families, children are typically raised by their parents and other extended family members.

However, there has been a growing trend towards nuclear families in urban areas, where both parents are employed and children are raised primarily by their parents or by a caregiver. There are also children who live in single-parent households, usually headed by the mother, due to death, divorce, or separation. In some cases, children may live with foster families or in orphanages due to the loss of their parents or due to abuse or neglect.

The government of Kenya has implemented various policies and programs aimed at improving the well-being of children, including efforts to support families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and ensure access to education and healthcare.

Living Arrangement	2003	2014
Living with Both Parents	58%	54.6
Living with One Parent	28%	30.2 %
Living with Mother Only	25%	27 %
Living with Father Only	3 %	3.2 %
Living with Neither Parent	11%	13.2 %
Living with Neither Parent, Both Parents Alive	6 %	9.5 %
One Parent Dead	2 %	2.5 %
Both Parents Dead	2 %	1.2 %

Source: Better Care Network Website

Children Living Without Biological Parents

In Kenya, there are a number of children who live without their biological parents due to a variety of reasons, including death, abandonment, separation, or divorce of their parents, abuse and neglect, and poverty. In such cases, children may live with relatives, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles, or in foster families. Alternatively, they may live in orphanages or children's homes, which are institutions that provide care and support to children who have lost their parents or are unable to live with their families.

The Kenyan government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have implemented programs aimed at supporting children who are not living with their biological parents. These programs provide services such as education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to help these children overcome the challenges they face and build a better future for themselves. 

It's important to note that children who are not living with their biological parents are particularly vulnerable and face a number of challenges, including poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and exposure to exploitation and abuse. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring that all children in Kenya have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Living with Who	2003	2014
Living in Kinship Care	95.3 %	96 %
Living With a Non-Relative	4.6 %	3.9 %
Living with Grandparent	58.2 %	62 %
Living with Other Relative	25.4 %	23 %
Child Head of Household
Living with Spouse		2 %
Living with Sibling	6.8 %	6 %
Living with Adoptive/Foster/Step Parent	4.9 %	3 %

Source: Better Care Network (BCN) Website

Alternative Care Arrangement

In Kenya, alternative care arrangements refer to situations where children are not living with their biological parents, either temporarily or permanently. Some of the most common alternative care arrangements in Kenya include:

1. Foster care: Foster care is a form of alternative care where children are placed with a family that is not their biological family, usually on a temporary basis, while their parents are unable to care for them. The aim of foster care is to provide children with a family-based care environment that is supportive and nurturing.
2. Orphanages: Orphanages are institutions that provide care and support to children who have lost their parents or are unable to live with their families. Children in orphanages typically live in large groups and are cared for by staff members.
3. Children's homes: Children's homes are similar to orphanages, but they are usually smaller in size and provide a more family-like environment for children. Children in children's homes typically live with a smaller number of other children and are cared for by a smaller number of staff members.
4. Kinship care: Kinship care refers to arrangements where children are cared for by extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles. This is often a preferred option for children who are not able to live with their biological parents, as it provides a familiar and supportive environment.

The Kenyan government and various NGOs have implemented programs aimed at supporting children in alternative care arrangements, including providing education and healthcare, and working to prevent the unnecessary separation of children from their families. However, there are still many challenges faced by children in alternative care, including lack of resources, inadequate support, and exposure to abuse and neglect. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring that all children in Kenya have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Source: Economic Survey 2021

Form of Care 2020	N0.	N0. Of Children
Total Formal Family-Based Care	No data	No data
Foster Care	No data	No data
Kinship Care	No data	96%
Total Formal Residential Care	910	26,198
Larger Institutions	910	26,198
Lancet Global Study Estimate of Children Living in Institutional Care		85,733

Source: Better Care Network (BCN) Website

Social Protection and Welfare Spending by government

The funds disbursed through Cash Transfers for Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Persons with Severe Disabilities Programs are expected to increase by 12.3 per cent and 46.0 per cent to KSh 7.9 billion and KSh 1.2 billion, respectively, in 2021/22.

Source: Economic Survey 2022

 Government Progress to social protection

The Kenyan government has allocated a significant portion of its budget towards social protection programs, aimed at improving the well-being of its citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

According to the most recent budget data, the government of Kenya allocated approximately 6% of its total budget for the 2021/2022 financial year to social protection programs. This includes funding for programs such as the National Safety Net Program, which provides cash transfers to households in poverty, and the Elderly Cash Transfer Program, which provides financial support to older citizens who are unable to support themselves.

In addition to these programs, the government also provides support for various other social protection initiatives, including food security programs, housing programs, and health insurance programs for the poor.

It is worth noting that despite the government's efforts to provide social protection to its citizens, many challenges remain. For example, the coverage of social protection programs is often limited, and many vulnerable people are still unable to access the support they need. Addressing these challenges will require continued investment from the government and sustained efforts to improve the delivery and impact of social protection programs.

Source: Economic Survey 2022 https://www.knbs.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-Economic-Survey1.pdf