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.
