The principal secretary for the State Department for Children Welfare Services, Carren Ageng’o, has revealed that a majority of reported missing child cases in Kenya involve children who have voluntarily left their homes, with parental neglect emerging as a key contributing factor.

Speaking on the growing concern over missing children in an interview with a local TV station on Friday, June 5, 2026, Ageng’o has noted that teenagers account for the largest proportion of such cases, with many choosing to run away from home due to challenges within their family environments.

According to the PS, about 70 per cent of all missing child cases reported across the country are linked to parental neglect, highlighting the need for stronger family support systems and improved communication between parents and their children.

“The majority of the missing child cases are children running away from home, mainly teenagers. Seventy per cent of all cases are attributed to parental neglect,” said Ageng’o.

She emphasised that while cases of child abduction and trafficking remain a concern, many reports involve children who leave home due to unresolved family conflicts, lack of parental guidance, or difficult living conditions.

Ageng’o called on parents and guardians to play a more active role in their children’s lives by providing emotional support, guidance, and a safe environment where young people can openly express their concerns.

Reporting a missing child

The PS further emphasised the importance of prompt reporting when a child goes missing, urging families to act quickly by involving authorities without delay.

“When a child goes missing, the first point of reporting should be the nearest police station, then the office of the children,” Ageng’o said.

She explained that Kenya has an established Child Protection Information Management System that supports the recording and tracking of missing child cases to improve response and recovery efforts.

“We also have a system, the Child Protection Information Management System, where once a report has been made, we have a case-tracking system and details of the child are recorded,” she added.

Ageng’o called on parents, guardians, schools, and community leaders to work closely with authorities to ensure children are protected and to reduce the number of runaway cases.