Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, has urged Kenyans to report missing children cases immediately, warning that delays in reporting could hinder rescue efforts and put children at greater risk.

In a post shared on her official X account on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Cabinet Secretary stressed that there is no waiting period required before reporting a missing child to authorities.

“There is NO waiting period to report a missing child cases should be reported IMMEDIATELY to the nearest police station, Children Services Office or Child Helpline 116,” Wandet stated.

Her remarks come amid growing public concern over child safety and increasing discussions online regarding missing children cases across the country.

Government response

The statement follows recent remarks by Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, who dismissed claims that Kenya is experiencing a surge in missing children incidents.

Speaking during a media interview on a local TV station on Monday, May 25, 2026, Muchiri argued that the increased attention surrounding such cases is largely due to growing public awareness and the faster spread of information through social media platforms.

“We don’t have a surge; it is only that we have a public that is more conscious, more aware, and then we have the spread of information, which is faster,” Muchiri said.

He further cautioned the public against relying on misleading or recycled online content, noting that some viral clips circulating online may not reflect current or verified cases.

Multi-agency intervention

The government has since intensified child protection efforts through a multi-agency approach aimed at improving coordination in handling missing children cases.

A recent high-level meeting chaired by CS Wandeto brought together the National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya National Human Rights Commission, Council of Governors and child welfare organisations to strengthen child protection systems.

Among the measures discussed were the operationalisation of the National Child Protection Command Centre, improved tracing and rescue operations, stronger intelligence sharing and enhanced psychosocial support for affected families.

Recent missing children cases reported in different parts of the country have continued to raise public anxiety, prompting renewed calls for vigilance, faster reporting and stronger child protection mechanisms nationwide.