Trade PS Regina Ombam raises alarm over safety of children
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 27, 2026Principal Secretary in the State Department for Trade, Regina Ombam, has expressed concern over rising insecurity among children, warning that increasing cases of abduction and sexual harassment are eroding public confidence in the safety of children
Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast Women’s Convocation held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Ombam, while making a prayer to the children, said the situation has changed drastically from earlier years when parents felt safe allowing children to move freely.
“We grew up with the confidence that we could go out and pray, but today we are worried about the security of our children; our children are not safe anymore, and I pray to God to provide security for them so that abductions stop and sexual harassment of children stops,” Ombam said.
The principal secretary noted that the rising cases of child abductions and sexual violence needed to stop.
The remarks were made during the convocation bringing together women parliamentarians ahead of the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 28, 2026, which is expected to convene leaders from both Houses of Parliament.
The statement from the principal secretary comes amid rising concerns and calls for children’s protection following an increase in cases of kidnapping, femicide and gender-based violence.
Taking to her official X account on Monday, May 25, 2026, Odhiambo called for urgent action from security and prosecutorial agencies.
She said Kenya is facing a “national emergency” that requires immediate and coordinated response to protect children from rising criminal networks targeting minors.
Rising child protection cases
Odhiambo cited official figures indicating that between January 2025 and March 2026, Kenya recorded 10,581 child protection-related cases, including 1,952 abductions and 173 trafficking incidents.
She warned that the trend translates to approximately 23 children affected per day, a figure she said should shock the nation into action.
“Our children are being stolen. Between Jan 2025 and March 2026, Kenya recorded 10,581 child protection cases, 1,952 abductions, and 173 trafficking cases. That is 23 children a day,” Odhiambo stated.
The lawyer referenced several recent cases that have sparked public outrage, including an incident in Githurai where a 2-year-old child was reportedly kidnapped by a teenager sent to steal the child in exchange for a mobile phone.
She also pointed to unrest in Juja, where residents blocked the Thika Superhighway after four children reportedly went missing within a span of two weeks.
Additionally, she noted reports from Central Kenya indicating at least 372 cases of violence against children within a year, underscoring what she termed a worsening pattern of abuse.
“Last week in Githurai, a 2-year-old was kidnapped by a teenager sent to steal a child for a phone. In Juja, residents shut down the Thika Superhighway after 4 children vanished in two weeks. In Central Kenya, 372 violence-against-children incidents in under a year. This is a national emergency,” she stated.