Kenya Urged to Prioritize Child Participation in Budgeting Ahead of Day of the African Child

As Kenya prepares to mark the Day of the African Child on June 16, stakeholders are calling for increased efforts to involve children in public decision-making, particularly in the national budgeting process. Children make up approximately 48 percent of the country’s 55 million population, positioning them not just as the future, but as current citizens with the right to shape policies that affect their lives.

The right of children to participate in governance is anchored in both international and local legal frameworks. Kenya ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which outlines child participation as one of its core principles.

Locally, Article 53 of the Constitution and Section 28 of the Children’s Act 2022 affirm this right, emphasizing the importance of treating children as individuals with unique perspectives.

This year’s theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” highlights the need for inclusive and intentional budgeting processes that consider children’s needs in education, health, and social protection. Advocates warn that without dedicated resources, many children could be left behind in key developmental areas.

Civil society organizations continue to play a crucial role in advocating for children’s inclusion, spotlighting gaps in funding, and holding government bodies accountable.

Meanwhile, the media is urged to amplify children’s voices through awareness campaigns and inclusive reporting that reaches children in ways they understand and relate to.

Stakeholders are now calling on government agencies, civil society, and the media to champion the integration of child voices in public planning and to allocate adequate funding for child-focused initiatives.

By placing children at the heart of policy and budget decisions, Kenya can build a more equitable and inclusive future.

By Sharon Atieno