Written by Alice Njoki.
The Kenya Children’s Assembly (KCA) has made history as the first children’s group worldwide to receive official recognition from the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children. This milestone highlights the growing influence of young voices in Kenya and across the globe.
Since 2023, the KCA has united children from all over Kenya to discuss issues affecting their lives. Using digital tools like videos, articles, and online meetings, they have raised awareness and urged leaders to act against challenges such as child abuse and violence.
Local organizations, including Mtoto News, have played an important role in supporting the KCA. They train children to confidently speak to leaders, share their stories through media, and develop leadership and advocacy skills. One notable program, “Sauti Zetu” (meaning “Our Voices”), empowers children with these abilities. Additionally, the Africa Children’s Summit (ACS), themed “Seen, Heard, Engaged,” has grown into a global platform. Last held in South Africa, the summit brings together children from across Africa to openly discuss their challenges without fear, enabling them to influence policies that affect their lives.
Samuel Smith, President of the Kenya Children’s Assembly, expressed the significance of this recognition in his own words:
“As Children, we’re humbled and proud to announce that the Kenya Children’s Assembly (KCA) has officially been recognized by the Office of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence Against Children.
This office is one of the key authorities under the UN Secretariat itself, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, and is globally responsible for protecting children from violence, ensuring governments are accountable, and amplifying the voices of young people worldwide.
To be recognized at this level is a historic moment for the children of Kenya.
This recognition is a reflection of:
- The tremendous efforts and tireless advocacy we’ve carried out since 2023
- The real, bold voices of children across Kenya, from grassroots to national
- The documents, dialogues, and demands we’ve raised through every possible space
And most importantly, the unwavering support we’ve received from those who believed in us when others did not
We deeply thank every individual and entity who stood with us for helping us speak out, mentoring us, training us, and opening doors and all delegates, adult allies, and CSOs who joined forces with us.
This moment comes despite many challenges we face:
- The underfunding of child participation
- Struggles at the grassroots where many children lack proper platforms
- The lack of regular meetings or support systems within the Assembly
- And limited recognition.
Still, from that struggle, our voices rose and the world heard us . Out of all the Children’s Assemblies and child-led parliaments and platforms globally, it is Kenya that has been spotlighted We now invite you all to help us forge the way forward:
- How do we use this global recognition to turn the tide at home?
- How can we turn this into real funding, attention, and structural reform?
- How do we ensure that no child’s voice is left behind?
This is not the end. It’s a golden beginning . With unity, strong support, and digital tools , Kenyan children are showing the world what children can achieve when given the chance to lead.