Kapsowar: Kapchesewes Charitable Children Institution (CCI) in Marakwet West has embraced the government’s care reform programme aimed at transitioning children from institutional care to families and communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the commitment was made during an engagement meeting between the Kapchesewes CCI Board of Management and officials from the State Department for Children Welfare Services under the Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services, held in Kapsowar. Kapchesewes CCI, which is run by the African Inland Church (AIC), is the only CCI in Elgeyo Marakwet County and is already looking into taking steps towards transitioning into family and community-based care.
County Children Coordinator Julius Yator emphasized that Elgeyo Marakwet is a front-runner in the implementation of care reform. He likened children’s homes to hospitals, advocating for temporary care as children are prepared for transition to suitable families and communities. Yator noted that family separation often results from inadequate support and stressed the importance of strengthening families and communities.
Yator clarified that care reform does not mean abandoning children or closing services, but rather changing the form of care to ensure children are raised in family environments, in line with existing laws. The State Department for Children Welfare Services emphasized their role in regulating and enforcing standards in CCIs rather than providing financial benefits. They highlighted the importance of regular inspections and oversight to protect children from possible exploitation.
The officials stressed that reintegration is a gradual process, with even the successful transition of a few children into families yearly being a significant achievement. Stakeholders were reminded that institutional care should only be considered after exploring family- and community-based alternatives. The care reform programme outlines alternative care pathways, including kinship care, guardianship, foster care, and adoption. Community-based options include community foster homes, support for child-headed households, and supported independent living.
Under the reform framework, CCIs are expected to transition into temporary rescue centers by the end of 2032, with a moratorium on the registration of new CCIs. Timothy Kirui from the Ministry of Education expressed support for Kapchesewes CCI’s transition towards becoming a rescue centre. He cautioned stakeholders against promoting CCIs as an alternative source of basic provision for families capable of caring for their children.
Kapchesewes CCI Manager Abraham Kaino pledged the institution’s support for the government’s transition project. Social worker Evans Kisut promised to facilitate smooth transitions by linking the State Department with relevant institutions. Moses Chemweno, Secretary to the AIC District Church Council, assured compliance with the law and support for the transition process.
Board of Management member Mary Koima affirmed the board’s commitment to supporting efforts that ensure children are cared for within safe and supportive family and community environments. Stakeholders urged donors and development partners to redirect support towards structured child welfare programmes that strengthen families and communities, ensuring that the best interests of the child remain central to the reform process.
