The Day of the African Child 2026 in Kibera
A Shared Vision for Every African Child
The preparations for the 2026 Day of the African Child began weeks in advance, with KYGAN member organizations, government agencies, community groups, and development partners convening at the DC offices to coordinate the event. Under the theme “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” take meaningful action for children in Kibera.
The celebrations were convened through the collaboration of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the State Department for Correctional Services, the Kibera Probation Office, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), PACS Kenya, and numerous community-based organizations and development partners. These included Umande Trust, SHOFCO, HKSAI, Koinonia Community, ETCO Kenya, AVSI Foundation, Mirror of Hope, Polycom Girls, CICADA, Lang’ata Local Water Forum, ElevateHer, and several other organizations working together to advance the rights and well-being of children.
The arrangements were made for sign language interpretation, WASH facilities, dignity packs, first aid, security, media coverage, and transportation for participating children, ensuring that every child could take part in the celebrations with dignity and safety.
Procession and Community Participation
The celebrations commenced at the Kibera DC Grounds with an opening prayer and the singing of the East African Anthem. The event was officially flagged off by the County Commissioner, Hon. Njagi, under the leadership of Ms. Lilian Otieno, the Kibera Probation Officer.
A colorful procession then wound its way through the community to the Kibera Law Courts.
Led by the Salvation Army Church Children’s Band, participants marched with songs and messages of hope, joined by partner organizations, community members, students from various schools, and persons with disabilities.
The procession served as a powerful platform for raising awareness about children’s rights and the importance of access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Remarks at the Kibera Law Courts
At the Kibera Law Courts, Ms. Lilian Otieno welcomed the gathering and invited the Chief Magistrate and Head of Station, Hon. Stella Atambo, to address the crowd.
Hon. Atambo expressed her joy at joining the community in commemorating the Day of the African Child and reflected on the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, where children marched for their right to education and dignity. She reminded participants that the memory of their courage remains a mandate for continued action on behalf of children. She further noted that, while significant progress has been made, many African children still lack access to safe water and sanitation, underscoring the relevance of this year’s theme.
The Chief Magistrate reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to serving as the last line of defense for children whose rights are threatened and called on all stakeholders to ensure that no child’s future is limited by poverty or circumstance.
Messages of Support from Stakeholders
The Regional Probation Director for the Nairobi–Kiambu Region, Ms. Sarah Jones, introduced members of the probation team and welcomed international partners from Japan who were accompanying probation officers as part of ongoing community probation initiatives. She expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders for their collaboration and commitment to promoting the well-being of children.
The Senior Court Administrator, Mr. George Nyaoke, highlighted the child-friendly services available at the Kibera Law Courts, noting that the facility provides safe and supportive spaces where children can wait as their matters are handled by the court. He further emphasized that special attention is given to children with disabilities and other special needs. As a symbol of hope and a healthier future, he announced a tree-planting exercise featuring fruit trees.
Ms. Hilda Mbatha, a Children’s Officer from the State Department for Children’s Services, speaking during the event, welcomed participants and encouraged everyone to remain steadfast in championing and safeguarding the rights and welfare of every African child.
Tree Planting and a Renewed Commitment to Children’s Rights
The celebrations culminated in a symbolic tree-planting exercise led by the Chief Magistrate, probation officers, children, and representatives of partner organizations. Fruit trees were planted within the court precincts as a lasting reminder of the community’s shared responsibility to nurture and protect every child.
The activity underscored the belief that, just as the young trees require care to flourish, so too do children need a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment in which to grow and realize their full potential.
During the exercise, the Chief Magistrate and the probation team reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children, particularly those who come into contact with the justice system.
Partner organizations echoed this pledge, vowing to continue working together to expand access to education, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and child-friendly services.
The tree planting thus served not only as an environmental initiative but also as a powerful expression of hope, unity, and a collective determination to build a brighter future for every African child.
Taking the Message to the Streets
Following the tree-planting ceremony at the Kibera Law Courts, the procession resumed, winding through Makina, Darajani, Lang’ata Link, Mashimoni, Laini Saba, and Silanga before culminating at Canaan Hall. More than 523 participants, including children, teachers, community leaders, and representatives of partner organizations, marched side by side, transforming the streets into a vibrant platform for advocacy and hope.
With energetic dances, songs, banners, and chants, the procession carried a clear message: every child deserves to grow up in safety, dignity, and good health, with their rights fully respected and protected.
The march reached thousands of residents along the route, sparking conversations about child rights, access to education, and the urgent need to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. The overwhelming community response demonstrated that when children and adults raise their voices together, they become a powerful force for lasting change.
Celebrating Through Music, Dance, and Talent
Upon arriving at Canaan Hall, the spirit of the Day of the African Child continued through vibrant entertainment presented by schools and partner organizations.
Learners captivated the audience with traditional dances, poems, songs, and dramatic performances that celebrated African culture while conveying powerful messages on child rights, education, and the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene.
These creative expressions not only brought joy to the gathering but also amplified the voices of children, reminding all present that they are active participants in shaping a brighter and more equitable future for their communities.
Children with Disabilities Take Center Stage
Children with disabilities actively participated in the celebrations and took center stage in several performances at Canaan Hall. Through dance, music, and other creative expressions,
they shared their talents and joy with the wider community, underscoring the event’s commitment to inclusion and the belief that every child, regardless of ability, has the right to participate fully in cultural and community life.
Their enthusiastic involvement served as a powerful reminder that true progress is achieved when all children are empowered to thrive and be heard.
Voices from the Community: Partners Reaffirm Their Commitment to Children
Expanding Access to Education and Opportunity
Representatives from Mirror of Hope, AVSI Foundation, Hope fr Kenya Slum Adolescents Initiative, and the Community Foundations highlighted the transformative impact of education in improving the lives of vulnerable children and youth.
Through scholarships, mentorship, school support, and skills development programmes, these organizations continue to create pathways to academic success and economic empowerment.
Promoting Inclusion and Equity
Speakers from EleveteHer, the Asho Network for the Disabled (ANDY), and Koinonia Community underscored the importance of inclusive education and the protection of children living with disabilities and those in vulnerable circumstances. They called for sustained efforts to ensure that all children have equal access to quality learning opportunities and support services.
Strengthening WASH and Community Health
Organizations working in the WASH and health sectors, including Umande Trust, the Lang’ata Local Water Forum, SHEAR Organization, and HKSAI, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing access to clean water, safe sanitation, menstrual hygiene management, and quality healthcare. They emphasized that dignified WASH services are essential to the health, education, and overall well-being of every child.
Safeguarding and Empowering Children
The Kibera Emergency Responders, Amitia, and ECO showcased initiatives aimed at protecting and empowering children through disaster preparedness, youth employment pathways, feeding programmes, environmental stewardship, and life-skills development.
Renewing a Collective Commitment
Across all presentations, a shared message emerged: the realization of children’s rights requires sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, communities, and families. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together to create a future in which every African child can grow, learn, and thrive in dignity and safety.
HKSAI Reaffirms Its Commitment to WASH and Child Well-Being
Speaking during the event, HKSAI Project Manager Ms. Brenda Robi joined partners in reflecting on this year’s theme, emphasizing that access to clean water, safe sanitation, and proper hygiene is fundamental to every child’s health, education, and overall development.
She noted that millions of children across Africa, particularly those living in informal settlements, continue to face barriers to these essential services.
Drawing on HKSAI’s work in Kibera and other communities, Ms. Robi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advocating for improved WASH services, supporting menstrual hygiene management, and empowering vulnerable children through education, mentorship, and life-skills programmes.
She called upon all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and collective action to ensure that every African child grows up in a safe, healthy, and dignified environment.
A Collective Call to Action
The Day of the African Child is more than a commemoration; it is an opportunity to renew our collective responsibility to uphold child rights, expand access to education, and ensure equitable opportunities for every child across the continent.
The vibrant participation of the Kibera community demonstrated both pride in the progress achieved and determination to continue the work ahead. Through strong partnerships and shared responsibility, the 2026 Day of the African Child in Kibera stood not only as a celebration but also as a renewed call to action for a healthier, more inclusive, and hopeful future for every African child.
