CS Florence Bore interacts with the representative of Kenya National Children Assembly during the conference

By Hannington Karanja

For the second year running, Daystar University hosted the 2^nd International Child Protection Conference at its Nairobi Campus DAC Auditorium, from November 22 – 24, 2023.

The conference was jointly organized by State and non-State agencies. The lead agencies being The Directorate for Children Services, the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) Standing Committee on Administration and Access to Justice for Children, National Council for Children Services; UN agencies; Universities, non-governmental and private sector practitioners.

The three-day conference was opened by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Hon. CS Florence Bore.

Speaking on the plight of children, Hon. Bore noted that violence meted out on children not only makes them victims but also perpetrators later in life. “When you see violence against children, stop it: 'spot it, stop it', she said.

As he welcomed the delegates to Daystar University and to the conference, the Acting Vice-chancellor, Prof. Muturi Wachira observed that the plight of children in Africa is an issue that requires attention. He revealed that Daystar University champions the issue of children through the Institute of Child Development.

In his sermon during the opening ceremony, the University Chaplain Rev. J Miano Weche, pointed out that primary protection of children is to ensure that they have a stable home. He however lamented that unfortunately today many children grow without such structures and protection.

Among many others, some of the topics covered in the three-day conference included:

• Responsive interventions by the society to child sexual abuse in Kenya. A critical review
• Sport and empowerment: Examining the Role of sports in building self-esteem and resilience to prevent Violence against Children in Kerio Valley Region
• Retrogressive cultures: a burden in ending violence against children.
• Movements vs project Based Approach to Advocating against Exploitative Child Domestic Work & Modern Slavery
• Understanding the Impact of a Robust Juvenile Justice System: Insights from the National Crime Research Centre’s Data in Kenya
• Roadmap to Child-Centered Justice System in Kenya

The closing ceremony, which took place on 24^th November was attended by the Deputy Director of Children’s Services, Ministry of Labour, Mr. Mwambi Mongare, representing PS Social Protection - Mr. Joseph Motari, MBS, and Chairperson of National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) Standing Committee on the Administration of Justice for Children, Hon. Justice Teresia Matheka, representing Chief Justice Hon. Martha Koome, Co-Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee, Mr. Samuel Munyuwiny, and Director DLPDI, Prof. Abraham Waithima,  representing Daystar Vice-chancellor, Prof. Laban. P. Ayiro.

Mr. Mwambi Mongare applauded the organizing committee of the 2^nd ICCP Conference, saying the conference was a step in the right direction of propelling child protection.

In his speech, Mr Mongare acknowledged the call to action presented by the children and promised the Government’s efforts to fulfill their ask.  “The ministry has heard the clarion call from the children and the conference partners, and we shall implement,” said Mr. Mung’are, further urging all partners and stakeholders to unite against child violence and be active voices for the children in Kenya and Africa at large.

At the closing ceremony, CS Bore called on all actors to commit to zero tolerance to violence against children in Africa. On behalf of the Government of Kenya, the CS appreciated all partners, children, and keynote speakers for making the conference a success.

On her part, Hon. Justice Teresia Matheka acknowledged the efforts made by various organizations and academics in coming up with and presenting great papers, saying that that was sufficient evidence on child protection. She was categorical that denial of rights to children is violation to children.

Justice Matheka further encouraged and thanked the children for their participation in the 2^nd ICCP Conference. She stated that as the Standing Committee, they will embrace the call to action from both children and the partners.

“Your participation was not in vain. As the standing committee we shall implement the call to action. Our blueprint is child-centered justice,” said Hon. Justice Matheka.

On behalf of Vice-Chancellor, DLPDI Director, Prof. Abraham Waithima said Daystar University was privileged to host the three-day conference as a major partner. He applauded the planning committee for a job well done. 

Prof. Waithima informed the audience of Daystar’s prowess in offering the Child Development program, urging prospects to utilize such opportunities and acquire knowledge and skill in tackling the misfortunes affecting children.

“As an institution, we shall continue to support the development of evident and impactful programmes that transform the society,” he said.

Prof. Waithima also astonished the audiences by announcing two recent accolades accorded to Daystar University: Most Preferred Institution of Higher Learning and the Vice Chancellor of the Year Award to Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, in the just concluded Employability Summit and Uongozi Career Awards held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), on November 23, 2023. 

The Coordinator, Daystar University Institute of Child Development, Dr. Roseline Olumbe led the University in the planning and execution of the conference. In her closing remarks she appreciated the partners and the children for making the event a success.