Kenya’s Religious Leaders Sign Landmark Child Safeguarding Declaration and Launch New Faith-Based Handbook to Strengthen Child Protection

Nairobi, 4 February 2026 – A major step forward in strengthening national child protection efforts was made today as senior religious leaders from across all major faiths in Kenya signed the National Religious Leaders’ Declaration on Child Safeguarding, marking a bold, united commitment to protect children from violence, abuse and harmful practices. The declaration was endorsed during 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 initiative is part of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in Kenya.

The signing was complemented by the launch of “Faith for Life: Protecting and Safeguarding Our Children,” a new faith-based safeguarding handbook designed to equip religious institutions with practical tools to strengthen child-friendly policies, ensure safe practices and promote positive parenting. Together, the declaration and handbook mark a decisive shift toward coordinated, values-driven leadership in child protection across the country.

Speaking at the summit, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Hon. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo said, "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."

Although Kenya has made significant legal and policy gains, including Article 53 of the Constitution, the Children Act (2022), and Kenya’s ratification of international instruments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, violence against children persists in many forms. This often happens within homes, communities and institutions meant to provide care. Religious leaders with their deep community reach are uniquely positioned to challenge harmful norms, promote child-friendly values, and foster safe spaces for children. They are crucial in mobilising nationwide action to end violence.

IRCK Chair, Sheikh Abdullahi Salat, reaffirmed the faith sector’s responsibility in child protection. “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,” said the IRCK Chairman.

UNICEF’s Deputy Representative, Mahboob Bajwa, welcomed the united commitment and the new handbook as catalysts for meaningful change. “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,” said Bajwa. “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,” he added.

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