In a decisive move to secure the safety and well-being of children, the County Government of West Pokot has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Childline Kenya to strengthen local child protection and advocacy frameworks.
The timely partnership will address critical gaps in reporting and handling abuse cases, especially against a backdrop of deeply concerning national trends in child disappearances and escalating violence against minors.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, West Pokot Governor Simon Governor Kachapin noted that safeguarding children remains a foundational priority for his administration.
”We want to ensure that our children enjoy their rights in a safe and supportive environment,” Governor Kachapin stated, emphasizing that the MOU will build robust structural defenses against child exploitation and abuse within the county.
What does Childline Kenya do?
Childline Kenya was originally established to reform how child abuse cases are reported, tracked, and resolved across the country.
In partnership with the government, it co-manages the National Child Helpline 116—a 24-hour, toll-free, and confidential e-platform providing immediate counseling, crisis rescue, and structured referrals.
The organisation’s Patron, Ambassador Lemarron Kaanto said the new framework integrates county-level response networks directly with grassroots advocates and national systems.
West Pokot Tourism, Youth, Sports, Gender and Social Services CECM Lucky Litole noted that by anchoring Childline Kenya’s technical expertise and data-driven solutions within West Pokot, the county aims to drastically reduce response times for emergency child welfare cases.
Present during the signing to spearhead the implementation strategies were Martha Sunda — Executive Director, Childline Kenya, Chief Officer for Youth Affairs and Social Services Benjamin Kilelan, Joakim Kamau — Program Lead, Childline Kenya, Josiah Rotino — Representing Perur Rays of Hope, a key local partner in regional child advocacy and community outreach, County Attorney Robert Katina among other officials.
