Billions at stake in plan to close private children’s homes

The government’s plan to phase out privately owned children’s homes and orphanages by 2032 is facing significant resistance from operators, who fear losing donor funds running into billions of shillings.

The warning came from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and child welfare groups who have now embarked on a campaign to sensitise the country about what’s at stake.

The government has proposed family-based care for vulnerable children instead of the current practice of institutional care.

Founders of childcare institutions have opposed the proposal, frustrating ongoing government efforts to integrate children into families, said Hoyd Isaidia, director of the Alternative Family Care department in the Directorate of Children Services.

“Owners of children’s homes agree that the best care for vulnerable children … is in a family set up. The children are able to adapt to acceptable moral standards, and learn and embrace their diverse cultures,” Isadia said.

“However, the same people who agree on this are very opposed to family care. The owners of orphanages fear losing donors because some [donors] are not willing to support children while they are under their family’s care.

“Institutional care also attracts more funding, since there are a lot of justifiable expenses.”

Foster care

The ministry, he said, wants to engage donors to continue supporting the children through foster care, guardianship and other alternative care.

“The process of phasing out private institutions may not be achieved within the [planned] 10 years, because of resistance to change by both donors and homeowners,” Isadia added.

“For instance, in Kajiado County, there is only one home that has initiated home-based care and is [adopting] efforts and strategies that will make the process successful.

“As a government, we have therefore opted to carry out sensitisation about the initiative, because we recognise every stakeholder is key in improving the welfare of our children.”

Speaking at Olturoto Children’s Village in Kajiado East during a children’s welfare forum held, UN commissioner Ann Musiwa said integrating children into families should also consider safeguarding the interests of those with disabilities so as to ensure equity and quality care.

The mushrooming of unregistered and congested children’s homes is among the challenges the government is facing in Kajiado County, the forum was told.

According to Richard Mugata, director Council for Children, Much sensitisation is needed among donors, and the government needs to make sure children are registered and follow established regulations.