Strand 2.
1: *UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)*
1. Introduction to UNCRC
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international treaty adopted in 1989 by the
United Nations. It outlines the rights that all children (0–18 years) are entitled to, regardless of race,
gender, religion, ability, or social background.
It is the most widely accepted human rights treaty in the world.
Kenya ratified the UNCRC in 1990, meaning the country agreed to protect and implement the rights of
children.
Purpose of the UNCRC
To promote and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all children.
To ensure children grow in safe, healthy, and supportive environments.
To guide governments, parents, teachers, and communities on their responsibilities toward children.
2. *Key Principles of UNCRC*
The UNCRC is guided by four fundamental principles that influence all other child rights:
a) Non-discrimination (Article 2)
Every child must enjoy their rights without discrimination based on gender, disability, ethnicity, religion,
language, or background.
b) Best interest of the child (Article 3)
All actions affecting the child—by teachers, parents, courts, or government—must aim to promote the
child’s welfare and development.
c) Right to life, survival and development (Article 6)
Every child has the right to be alive, to be healthy, and to reach their full potential in all developmental
areas (physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, social).
d) Right to participation (Article 12)
Children should be allowed to express their views, have opinions, and participate in decisions affecting
them.
3. *Categories of Child Rights under UNCRC*
UNCRC organizes children's rights into four main categories:
a) Survival Rights
These include basic needs that support life:
Adequate food
Shelter
Clothing
Medical care
Clean water
b) Protection Rights
Rights that keep children safe from harm:
Protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence
Protection from child labour
Protection during armed conflict
Protection from harmful cultural practices (e.g., FGM, early marriage)
c) Development Rights
Rights that help children grow holistically:
Education
Play and recreation
Access to information
Participation in cultural and artistic activities
Early childhood stimulation
d) Participation Rights
Rights that allow children to be involved in decisions:
Freedom of expression
Freedom of thought and religion
Right to be heard
Participation in school and community activities
4. *Importance of UNCRC in ECDE*
UNCRC is especially important in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) because early
years shape a child’s foundation.
Importance includes:
Helps teachers understand children's rights and needs.
Ensures a child-centred approach in teaching and caregiving.
Promotes safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environments.
Guides ECDE programmes to focus on holistic development.
Encourages respect, dignity, and involvement of young children in decision-making.
Protects young children from harmful practices (harsh punishment, discrimination).
5. *Responsibilities of Stakeholders Under UNCRC*
a) Government
Develop child-friendly laws and policies.
Provide free and compulsory basic education.
Ensure child protection services.
Monitor children's welfare through agencies (e.g., children’s department).
b) Parents and Guardians
Provide love, care, guidance, and protection.
Meet children’s basic needs.
Enroll children in school and support their learning.
c) Teachers and ECDE Practitioners
Create a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Promote children’s participation.
Identify and report cases of abuse.
Support children’s holistic development.
d) Community
Protect children from harmful cultural or societal practices.
Support families in raising children.
6. *Challenges in Implementing UNCRC*
Poverty and unemployment.
Cultural beliefs and harmful traditions.
Inadequate awareness among parents and communities.
Limited resources for child welfare programmes.
Child labour, street children, and child trafficking.
7. *Conclusion*
The UNCRC is a powerful tool for ensuring children grow in dignity, safety, and freedom. It guides ECDE
teachers, parents, communities, and governments to respect and protect all children, helping them
reach their highest potential.
Strand 2.2: *African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC)*
1. *Introduction*
The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) is a regional child rights treaty
developed by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU).
It was adopted in 1990 and came into force in 1999.
Kenya is one of the countries that ratified the Charter.
The ACRWC was created because African leaders felt that:
The UNCRC did not fully address African realities, cultures, and challenges affecting children.
African children face unique issues such as child marriages, child soldiers, harmful cultural practices, and
poverty.
2. *Purpose of the ACRWC*
The Charter aims to:
Promote and protect the rights and welfare of African children.
Address child-specific issues common in Africa.
Complement the UNCRC by adding African cultural values and social realities.
Ensure African governments take responsibility for children’s well-being.
3. *Key Features of the ACRWC*
The ACRWC has several unique features that make it different from other child rights treaties:
a) Defines a child as anyone under 18 years.
b) Emphasizes African cultural values
Recognizes the role of the family, community, and society in raising a child.
c) Strong protection against harmful cultural practices
Includes strict laws against:
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Child marriage
Early pregnancies
Harmful initiation rites
d) Strong protection in armed conflict
African children have faced wars; the Charter prohibits:
Recruitment of child soldiers
Use of children in armed groups
e) Protection of children living with disabilities
Ensures they receive:
Special care
Protection
Education
Participation
f) Focus on children in difficult situations
The Charter pays special attention to:
Orphans
Street children
Refugees
Children with special needs
Children in conflict with the law
4. *Principles of the ACRWC*
The Charter operates under similar principles to the UNCRC, with additional African focus.
a) Best interest of the child
Every decision affecting a child must promote the child’s welfare.
b) Non-discrimination
No child should be treated unfairly based on gender, clan, tribe, disability, or socioeconomic
background.
c) Right to survival, development, and protection
Children must receive adequate nutrition, health care, shelter, education, and social support.
d) Participation
Children should be listened to and involved in matters that affect their lives.
5. *Rights Provided in the ACRWC*
The ACRWC includes rights similar to the UNCRC but with African emphasis.
a) Survival Rights
Right to life
Access to healthcare
Nutrition
Adequate shelter
Proper parental care
b) Development Rights
Right to education
Play and recreation
Cultural participation
Information access
Spiritual and moral development
c) Protection Rights
Strong emphasis on protection from:
Harmful cultural practices (FGM, early marriage)
Abuse and neglect
Child labour
Trafficking
Drug abuse
Exploitation
Armed conflict
d) Participation Rights
Freedom of expression
Right to be heard
Association and joining groups
Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
e) Rights specific to African challenges
Protection of orphans and vulnerable children
Protection of refugee and displaced children
Rights of children with disabilities
Rights of children born to imprisoned mothers
6. *Duties of the Child (Unique to ACRWC)*
Unlike the UNCRC, the ACRWC includes responsibilities of the child, such as:
Respecting parents, elders, and community.
Preserving African cultural values.
Working for unity and cohesion of the family.
Respecting the environment.
7. *Responsibilities of Stakeholders*
a) Governments
Implement laws protecting children.
Eliminate harmful cultural practices.
Promote free and compulsory education.
Provide social services (healthcare, protection).
b) Parents and Families
Provide guidance, love, and protection.
Ensure proper upbringing according to cultural values.
c) Communities
Protect children from harmful traditions.
Promote cultural practices that support child welfare.
Support families in raising children.
d) ECDE Teachers
Promote children’s rights in learning environments.
Report cases of abuse or neglect.
Encourage participation and respect.
Create safe, child-friendly spaces.
8. *Importance of the ACRWC in ECDE*
Provides a framework for protecting young children against harmful traditions.
Encourages teachers to respect African values and community roles.
Promotes holistic development in early childhood.
Helps identify and support vulnerable children.
Ensures inclusive education for children with disabilities.
Guides teachers to promote participation and protection in ECDE settings.
9. *Challenges in Implementing the ACRWC*
Poverty and limited resources
Strong cultural beliefs supporting harmful practices
Lack of awareness among communities
Conflicts and insecurity in some African countries
Weak child protection systems
10. *Conclusion*
The African Charter is a powerful tool that ensures African children receive rights, protection, and care
that reflect African realities and values. It complements the UNCRC and strengthens child welfare,
especially in early childhood settings.
Strand 2.3: National Policies on Children (Kenya)
1. *Introduction*
Kenya has developed various national policies, laws, and frameworks to protect and promote the rights
and welfare of children. These policies are aligned with international treaties such as the UNCRC and the
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
National child policies guide families, teachers, caregivers, communities, and government institutions to
ensure children grow in safe, healthy, and supportive environments.
2. *Key National Policies on Children in Kenya*
2.1 The Children Act (2001, revised 2022)
This is Kenya’s main law on child rights and welfare.
It domesticates the UNCRC and ACRWC into Kenyan law.
Key provisions:
Defines a child as any person below 18 years.
Contains the Bill of Rights for children (survival, development, protection, and participation).
Establishes child protection structures such as:
National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS)
Children’s Courts
Children’s Officers
Charitable Children’s Institutions (CCIs)
*Focus areas:*
Protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Parental responsibility
Alternative family care (guardianship, foster care, adoption)
Free and compulsory basic education
Protection of children with disabilities
2.2 *National Children’s Policy (2010)*
A major policy guiding child rights implementation in Kenya.
Objectives:
Promote the survival, protection, development, and participation of all children.
Improve coordination among child welfare service providers.
Guide child-related programmes in government and NGOs.
Key focus areas:
Protection from harmful cultural practices
Health and nutrition
Education and early childhood development
Child participation
Child protection services
2.3 *National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC)*
A framework for implementing children’s rights at national and county levels.
NPAC 2015–2022 focus areas:
Survival (health, nutrition, water and sanitation)
Protection (child labour, trafficking, abuse)
Development (education, ECD, recreation)
Participation (child involvement in decisions)
It ensures different ministries work together to support children.
2.4 *Basic Education Act (2013)*
This law promotes children’s right to free and compulsory basic education.
Relevance to child welfare:
Guarantees free primary education
Provides guidelines for ECDE services
Protects children from:
Discrimination
Expulsion and corporal punishment
Encourages child-friendly school environments
2.5 *National Early Childhood Development Policy (2006)*
This policy focuses specifically on children aged 0–8 years.
Key elements:
Supports integrated ECD services (health, nutrition, education, protection).
Encourages parental involvement in children’s development.
Ensures safe, child-friendly ECDE centres.
Emphasizes play-based learning.
2.6 *Children’s Sector Policy (2019)*
A modern policy aimed at strengthening child protection systems.
Key elements:
Community-based child protection structures
Family-based care instead of institutionalization
Social protection programmes (cash transfers, OVC support)
Strengthening reporting and referral systems
2.7 *Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act (2010)*
Protects children from:
Human trafficking
Sexual exploitation
Forced labour
Child pornography
2.8 *Sexual Offences Act (2006)*
Protects children from:
Defilement
Sexual harassment
Sexual exploitation
Harmful sexual behaviours
2.9 *Constitution of Kenya (2010) – Article 53*
This article provides a comprehensive Bill of Rights for children.
It states that every child has the right to:
A name and nationality
Free and compulsory basic education
Nutrition, shelter, and healthcare
Protection from abuse, neglect, and harmful practices
Parental care and protection
Equal treatment before the law
It also establishes the principle of best interest of the child.
3. *Importance of National Child Policies in Kenya*
Protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Ensure children access education, health care, and nutrition.
Promote child participation and inclusion.
Provide guidelines for ECDE teachers and caregivers.
Strengthen child protection structures (courts, children’s officers).
Promote equity and non-discrimination.
Support vulnerable children (orphans, street children, refugees, children with disabilities).
4. *Stakeholders in Implementation*
a) Government (national and county)
Formulate and enforce child policies
Provide social and protection services
Support ECDE centres
b) Parents and Guardians
Provide care, love, guidance, and protection
Ensure school enrolment and regular attendance
c) Teachers and ECDE Practitioners
Identify and report cases of abuse
Promote inclusive and child-friendly learning
Support holistic development
d) Community and Cultural Leaders
Protect children from harmful practices
Promote positive cultural values
e) NGOs/Churches/CBOs
Provide child welfare services
Advocate for children’s rights
5. *Challenges in Implementing Child Policies*
Poverty and economic hardship
Limited awareness of children’s rights
Harmful cultural practices (FGM, early marriage)
Inadequate resources for child welfare programmes
Child labour and street families
Weak enforcement in some area's
6. *Conclusion*
Kenya’s national policies on children form a strong framework that ensures children’s rights are
promoted, protected, and fulfilled. These policies guide families, communities, and professionals—
especially ECDE teachers—in ensuring every child grows in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.
Strand 2.4: *Roles of Government and Stakeholders in Child Protection*
1. *Introduction*
Child protection refers to measures and structures put in place to safeguard children from abuse,
neglect, exploitation, and any form of harm.
Effective child protection requires the participation of multiple stakeholders including the government,
families, communities, teachers, NGOs, and faith-based organizations.
In Kenya, child protection is guided by laws such as the Constitution 2010, Children Act 2022, and
various national policies on children.
2. *Role of the Government in Child Protection*
The government plays the primary responsibility in safeguarding children. Key roles include:
2.1 *Formulation and Enforcement of Laws*
Develop child protection laws (Children Act, Sexual Offences Act, Basic Education Act).
Ensure enforcement through police, courts, and child protection units.
Criminalize child abuse, neglect, trafficking, early marriage, and FGM.
2.2 *Provision of Child Protection Services*
Establish Children’s Offices at national and county levels.
Operate rescue centres, child protection centres, and safe shelters.
Provide social services such as counseling, rehabilitation, and foster care.
2.3 *Establishment of Child Protection Structures*
National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS)
Child Protection Units (CPUs) at police stations
Area Advisory Councils (AACs)
County Children’s Offices
Child Helpline (116)
2.4 *Ensuring Access to Basic Services*
Provide free and compulsory basic education.
Offer immunization, healthcare, nutrition programmes.
Support vulnerable children (orphans, children with disabilities).
2.5 *Coordination of Stakeholders*
Work with NGOs, schools, community organizations, and international partners.
Ensure unified approaches to child welfare and protection.
2.6 *Public Awareness and Advocacy*
Conduct campaigns on child rights, dangers of FGM, child marriage, and violence.
Educate communities on positive parenting and reporting mechanisms.
2.7 *Social Protection Programmes*
Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC).
School feeding programmes.
Scholarships and bursaries.
3. *Role of Parents and Families in Child Protection*
Families are the first line of defence in protecting children.
Key roles:
Provide love, care, guidance, and supervision.
Meet basic needs: food, shelter, clothing, health care.
Protect children from abuse and harmful environments.
Teach positive values, discipline, and social skills.
Report cases of abuse or danger.
Ensure children attend school regularly.
4. *Role of ECDE Teachers and Schools*
Teachers play a crucial role in identifying and responding to child protection issues.
Key roles:
Create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
Identify signs of abuse, neglect, or distress in children.
Report suspected abuse to relevant authorities.
Promote children’s rights and participation in school.
Provide emotional support, care, and guidance.
Integrate life skills, hygiene, and safety education into teaching.
5. *Role of the Community*
Communities influence children’s safety and well-being.
Key roles:
Protect children from harmful traditional practices (FGM, early marriage).
Support vulnerable families and orphans.
Monitor community child protection concerns.
Encourage positive cultural practices.
Encourage community reporting of child abuse.
6. *Role of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations*
Non-governmental organizations complement the government’s efforts.
Key roles:
Advocate for children’s rights and welfare.
Provide rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration services.
Train community members, caregivers, and teachers.
Conduct child protection campaigns and awareness.
Provide support services such as:
Counseling
Education sponsorship
Shelter
Medical care
Examples in Kenya include: Childline Kenya, Save the Children, Plan International, World Vision.
7. *Role of Faith-Based Organizations (Churches, Mosques, Temples)*
Key roles:
Promote moral and ethical values.
Offer guidance, counseling, and support to families.
Provide safe spaces and shelter for vulnerable children.
Raise awareness on child rights and protection.
Implement programs supporting orphans and needy children.
8. *Role of Police and Judiciary*
Police roles:
Investigate cases of child abuse, trafficking, neglect.
Operate Child Protection Units at police stations.
Arrest perpetrators.
Ensure safety during rescue operations.
Judiciary roles:
Establish Children’s Courts.
Prosecute offenders.
Protect child witnesses.
Decide on custody, guardianship, and adoption.
9. *Role of Health Workers*
Key roles:
Provide medical care for abused or neglected children.
Identify signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Offer counseling and trauma support.
Report suspected cases to authorities.
10. *Role of Media*
Key roles:
Educate the public on child rights and protection.
Report violations responsibly.
Avoid showing identifiable images of abused children.
Promote positive parenting and community awareness.
11. *Importance of Stakeholder Collaboration*
Ensures a holistic approach to child welfare.
Strengthens protection systems at all levels.
Prevents duplication of services.
Provides timely rescue and rehabilitation.
Promotes community ownership of child protection issues.
12. *Conclusion*
Child protection is a shared responsibility. The government, families, teachers, communities, NGOs, and
other stakeholders must work together to ensure children grow up safe, healthy, loved, educated, and
protected. This collaboration ensures that every child’s rights are respected and upheld.