Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o has challenged journalists and digital content creators in Kenya to adopt responsible, child-sensitive reporting. This is part of efforts to strengthen child protection and advance children’s rights. Ageng’o emphasized the media’s crucial role in shaping public understanding, influencing social norms, exposing child protection issues, and holding duty bearers accountable. She made these remarks during the launch of the 2026 Child Rights and Protection Media Awards in Nairobi.
Ageng’o advocated for ethical, evidence-informed, and solutions-oriented reporting that safeguards children’s dignity, privacy, and best interests. She encouraged journalists to look beyond individual incidents and use journalism to promote prevention and practical solutions to child protection challenges. According to Ageng’o, every story matters, every child counts, and every voice protects. This approach will help in promoting a culture of respect and care for children’s rights.
The scale of child protection concerns in Kenya necessitates sustained attention from journalists, media houses, and digital platforms. Ageng’o cited that 231,025 child protection cases were recorded through the Child Protection Information Management System during the 2025/2026 Financial Year. This underscores the need for timely intervention, stronger prevention, and sustained public awareness. The PS stressed that responsible reporting should not only expose violations but also demonstrate the actions being taken to address them.
Ageng’o encouraged journalists to highlight community initiatives and individuals working to improve children’s safety and well-being. She also emphasized giving children the opportunity to be heard as rights holders. By doing so, the media can play a significant role in promoting child protection and advancing children’s rights. This approach will also help in creating a safe and supportive environment for children to grow and develop.
The PS added that responsible reporting should not only expose violations but also demonstrate the actions being taken to address them. She called on digital content creators to apply the same standards of responsibility when producing and sharing content involving children. This is particularly important in protecting their privacy and dignity. The media has a critical role to play in promoting a culture of respect for children’s rights.
The Child Rights and Protection Media Awards have been revived through a collaboration between the State Department for Children Services, the Children Rights Advocacy and Legal Aid Foundation, and other partners. The initiative brings together government, media, civil society, development partners, communities, and children in efforts to advance children’s rights and strengthen child protection. The launch also marked the opening of the call for entries and nominations.
The 2026 Child Rights and Protection Media Awards ceremony will take place on 20 November 2026, coinciding with World Children’s Day. Submissions for the awards will close at midnight on 23 October 2026. The awards aim to recognize and reward media practitioners who have made significant contributions to promoting child rights and protection through their reporting.
Key points
- The Kenyan government recorded 231,025 child protection cases during the 2025/2026 Financial Year.
- The media has a crucial role to play in shaping public understanding and influencing social norms on child protection issues.
- The 2026 Child Rights and Protection Media Awards will take place on 20 November 2026.
