Protecting Childhood - Safeguarding and Empowering Vulnerable Children in Wajir County

 Children in Wajir County continue to face severe child protection risks, including neglect, physical and emotional abuse, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, FGM, child labour, and rising cases of substance abuse. These vulnerabilities are driven by deep-rooted cultural norms, persistent poverty, displacement, and limited enforcement of existing child protection laws. This pilot initiative proposes a structured 6-month intervention designed to safeguard and uplift vulnerable children by strengthening community-based child protection systems, enhancing awareness, improving reporting and referral pathways, and providing essential psychosocial support. The project will directly support 500 children aged 5–17, while indirectly benefiting more than 5,000 community members through capacity-building, community campaigns, and system strengthening. The initiative is fully aligned with the Kenya Children Act (2022), the National Child Protection Policy, and the Social Pillar of Kenya’s Vision 2030, reinforcing the country’s commitment to upholding and protecting children’s rights. HMHO, in collaboration with Climate and Health Connect and Candle of Hope Foundation, is committed to delivering this important mission under the project titled: PROJECT TITLE: Protecting Childhood – A Pilot Initiative for Safeguarding and Empowering Vulnerable Children in Wajir County.