Media practitioners from Kiambu, Murang’a and Meru Counties have just completed a two-day training on childcare reforms.
The National Care Reform Strategy for Children in Kenya comes against the backdrop of, and a response to, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which reaffirms the significance and the leading role of the family in the care, nurturing, growth and development of children.
The two-day training organized by the Legacy for Children (L4C), in partnership with the National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS), the Nairobi Directorate of Children’s Services (DCS), and program implementing partners, focused on enhancing media understanding of the care reform strategy and reporting on matters children.
The reform, which was signed and implemented in 2022, seeks to transition from institutional care to family and community-based care, ensuring better protection and support for vulnerable children.
The policy framework aims to further transform Kenya’s child care and
protection system over the course of 10 years.
Director of Children Services, Hoyd Isadia, emphasized that the National Care Reform Strategy is a crucial initiative aimed at ensuring that every child in Kenya grows up in a safe and supportive family environment.
He noted that the department is working closely with the media to promote accurate and ethical reporting, stressing the media’s significant role in shaping public perception and ensuring the success of the reforms.
‘We are working closely with the media to ensure accurate and ethical reporting, as their role in shaping public perception is invaluable to the success of this initiative,’ he said.
Children officer at the NCCS Madam Janet Muema, stated that the training was part of their ongoing efforts to ensure all stakeholders, including the media, are well-informed about the care reform strategy.
‘The media holds a unique position in shaping the narrative around children’s welfare. By understanding the intricacies of the National Care Reform Stra
tegy, journalists can help amplify the message that every child deserves to grow up in a family environment.’ Said Muema
Journalists were also educated on children’s rights and the ethical considerations involved in reporting on issues affecting children.
‘As journalists, we have a duty to protect the dignity and privacy of children in our reporting. Ethical considerations must guide every story involving children to ensure that their rights are upheld.’ Stated Jacob Nyongesa, from the Media Council of Kenya.
Emphasis was placed on responsible journalism, particularly in safeguarding children’s dignity and privacy in news coverage.
‘Our role is not only to inform but also to safeguard the vulnerable, especially when telling stories that touch on sensitive issues affecting children,’ Nyongesa said.
The care reform strategy is part of a global movement which aligns with international standards, like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to address the harmful effects of institutionalizing c
hildren.
It is anchored on three pillars which include: Prevention of family separation, Alternative care and Reintegration to Family and Community-Based Care.
The training program was implemented by, Stahili Foundation, Diocese of Murang’a, Diocese of Meru, Weza Foundation, GEEP Kenya, and Child in Family Focus Kenya (CFFK)
The partners highlighted the critical role of the media in advocating for children’s welfare and fostering a deeper public understanding of childcare reforms in Kenya.
The Constitution of Kenya recognizes the family as a fundamental unit of society and the necessary basis for social order and bestows the responsibility of childcare on the child’s biological family. It is therefore anchored in law that children should, as much as possible, live with and be cared for by their families of birth.
Source: Kenya News Agency