Religious leaders sign child safeguarding declaration, launch children’s protection handbook

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, and other leaders during the National Religious Leaders’ Summit on Child Safeguarding/HANDOUT

Kenya’s major faith leaders have made a historic commitment to protect children from violence and abuse by signing the National Religious Leaders’ Declaration on Child Safeguarding.

The move was announced at the first National Religious Leaders’ Summit on Child Safeguarding, convened by the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services in collaboration with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) and UNICEF.

The signing coincided with the launch of a new faith-based handbook, Faith for Life: Protecting and Safeguarding Our Children.

The handbook provides religious institutions with practical guidance on implementing child-friendly policies, ensuring safe practices, and promoting positive parenting.

Officials say the declaration and handbook together represent a significant shift towards coordinated, values-driven leadership in child protection across Kenya.

Speaking at the summit, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, described the initiative as a milestone for child protection.

“The Government of Kenya, led by the State Department of Child Services, through the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Child Services, is proud to support this initiative and reaffirms its commitment to working closely with faith actors, civil society, and all stakeholders to end violence against children, eliminate harmful practices and build communities where every child is valued, heard, and protected,” she said.

Kenya has made notable legal and policy gains in child protection. These include Article 53 of the Constitution, the Children Act (2022), and ratification of international instruments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Despite these measures, violence against children remains widespread, occurring in homes, communities, and institutions meant to provide care.

Religious leaders, with their reach into communities, are seen as critical agents in promoting safe spaces, challenging harmful norms, and mobilising nationwide action against violence.

IRCK Chair Sheikh Abdullahi Salat underscored the moral responsibility of faith institutions.

“Our faith traditions speak with one voice on the protection of children. As the Manusmriti teaches, ‘Children are to be maintained and protected by those responsible for them until they can care for themselves’ (8:299). The Bible reminds us, ‘See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven’ (Matthew 18:10).

"Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught, ‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young’ (Hadith, Sunah al-Tirmidhi). These teachings compel us to act decisively to protect every child,” he said.

UNICEF representatives welcomed the joint effort as a catalyst for change.

Deputy Representative Mahboob Bajwa said, “UNICEF is proud to stand with the Government, the IRCK and partners to ensure that every child in Kenya has the right to grow up safe, loved and protected.

“Our united stand today with religious leaders sends a powerful message. From the pulpit, mosque, temple, and shrine, your words will reach millions of families and children.

“When religious leaders speak clearly and consistently against violence, and when they promote compassion, dignity, and accountability, hearts change, and norms begin to shift in favour of our children.”

With the declaration signed and the handbook in circulation, Kenya enters a new phase of collaboration between the Government, faith institutions, and communities, aiming to ensure that every child grows up free from violence.