The government has opened the door for public input on new rules that will guide how the Child Welfare Fund operates, marking a key step in putting into effect financial support systems meant to protect vulnerable children across the country.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, February 24, the National Treasury invited Kenyans to submit views on the proposed Draft Public Finance Management (Child Welfare Fund) Regulations, 2026. The draft rules are intended to operationalise the Child Welfare Fund created under the Children's Act.
The Act gives effect to Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to a name and nationality, free and compulsory basic education, proper nutrition, shelter, healthcare and protection from harmful cultural practices. It also provides for parental care and protection, and states that detention of a child should only be used as a last option.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that the draft regulations, alongside the explanatory memorandum and regulatory impact statement, have been published on the Treasury’s website to allow members of the public to review and give feedback.
The Children’s Welfare Fund was set up under Section 12(7) of the Children’s Act to meet reasonable costs linked to safeguarding the welfare of a child. Its role will include financing programmes aimed at preventing child exploitation, assisting vulnerable groups such as orphans and children living with disabilities, and strengthening family support systems to reduce dependence on institutional care.
Funding for the kitty will come from allocations approved by the National Assembly, income earned from investments, as well as gifts, grants and donations. The fund will be administered by the State Department for Children’s Services in collaboration with the National Council for Children’s Services.
The move comes months after the government formally unveiled the National Infrastructure Fund, which was created to drive infrastructure development in the country.
Kenyans have until March 9, 2026, at 5.00 p.m. to send written memoranda and comments to the Principal Secretary at the National Treasury. Submissions may also be made through official Treasury email addresses listed in the public notice.
Beyond written feedback, the Treasury has lined up public participation forums set to begin on March 6, 2026, across various regions. The sessions will take place in Nairobi, Central, Lower Eastern, Upper Eastern, Coast, North Eastern, South Rift, Western, North Rift and Nyanza.
The meetings will start at 10.00 a.m. at selected venues, among them the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, as well as regional halls and hotels in other parts of the country.
According to the notice, all views collected during the consultation period will be reviewed and may be forwarded to relevant legislative bodies. The draft regulations could be revised before they are published in their final form.
