Experts urge action to protect African children
By Mathew Ndungu and James Wakahiu, June 17, 2025Stakeholders have sounded the alarm over persistent cases of child neglect, abuse, and violations of rights across Africa, despite the progress made over the years.
Kenyans joined the rest of the continent to mark the Day of the African Child, which is commemorated annually on June 16, in honour of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, where hundreds of children were killed on that day during a protest against apartheid in South Africa.
Experts and child welfare advocates yesterday painted a grim picture of the situation in many African countries, particularly in war-torn regions.
They noted with concern that children continue to suffer devastating consequences, including psychological trauma, displacement, recruitment into armed groups, disruption of education, and heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and death.
Speaking to journalists, Prof Peter Wanderi (inset), the principal corporate services at Mount Kenya University, called for concerted efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for children, particularly in education and healthcare.
Wanderi expressed concern over the increasing impact of climate change on African children, highlighting how environmental changes have deepened the challenges children face.
He cited rising cases of displacement due to floods and droughts, water and food insecurity, and increased health risks as consequences of climate-related crises.
“Children are now more vulnerable due to climate-induced disasters. These events disrupt their schooling, compromise their health, and rob them of a stable future. We must align our child-support policies with the emerging realities. If we can properly implement the existing frameworks, Africa will move forward in protecting its next generation,” he said.
The stakeholders, at the same time, emphasised the growing threats children face in the digital space.
Dr Daniel Oloo, a university lecturer, noted that while technology has opened doors for learning and communication, it has also exposed children to new forms of abuse.
“Children are now facing insecurities online, including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and exposure to harmful and age-inappropriate content. Mental health risks associated with technology use are becoming more prevalent, and we, as educators, institutions, and parents, must step up to protect our children from these invisible dangers,” he pointed out.