By Joshua Otieno | May 26, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — The Government has raised concern over a sharp rise in child abductions, disappearances, trafficking, and violence against minors, warning that the growing crisis is becoming a serious threat to child safety across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Harambee Annex on Tuesday, May 26, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura described the situation as deeply worrying, revealing that thousands of child protection cases have been reported nationwide in just over a year.
According to data from the Child Protection Information Management System, a total of 10,581 child protection cases were recorded between January 2025 and March 2026.
The reported cases include 6,820 child abandonment incidents, 1,952 abductions, 1,636 missing children reports, and 173 trafficking cases, highlighting the scale of the growing child protection crisis.
The Government strongly condemned the abduction, abuse, trafficking, and killing of children, terming the incidents hideous crimes that continue to traumatize families and place communities at risk. Mwaura said security agencies and child protection officers have already activated multi-agency interventions aimed at rescuing vulnerable children and ensuring offenders face justice.
According to the Government, the interventions currently underway include rescue operations, family tracing and reunification programmes, alternative family care arrangements, psychosocial support services, and legal action against suspects involved in crimes against children.
Authorities have also established Children Advisory Committees across counties to strengthen local child protection systems and ensure reported cases are handled more quickly and effectively.
At the same time, the Government has called on parents and guardians to heighten vigilance, particularly during school commuting hours, which officials say have become increasingly risky for children.
Mwaura warned that children travelling to and from school remain among the most vulnerable targets for abductors and traffickers. He advised parents to personally pick up their children where possible or ensure they are accompanied by trusted adults while travelling home.
The Government further cautioned families against leaving children in the care of strangers and urged parents to educate minors on personal safety, including avoiding lifts, sweets, gifts, or conversations with unknown individuals.
Schools have equally been urged to tighten transport and handover procedures to ensure children are only released to authorized guardians.
The public has now been encouraged to report cases of missing children, trafficking, violence, neglect, abuse, or online exploitation through the national child helpline 116 or WhatsApp number 0722 116116.
