Keeping Children safe

Call 116
Be a 1 bob Hero - Donate Now!

Our Strategy

Increased awareness on child protection services including the fact that child abuse is not normal; and that everybody has a role to play in child protection; and that the child helpline service exists to respond to children’s concerns on a 24-hour basis, toll-free.

Optimized access to child protection services by promoting creativity and opportunities that ensure all children can access child protection services whenever they require to do so from anywhere in Kenya.

Strengthened response to reported cases by linking children in need of care and protection to the services they require. We also build the capacity of child protection actors throughout the country to ensure services provided are of the highest standards and in line with legal provisions.

Strengthened management to continually to provide efficient and effective operations in all its functions

Enhanced Board Oversight for effective and efficient support to Childline’s management team



Core Values

Integrity
Reliability
Commitment

Our Story

Childline Kenya was established in response to the state of child protection in Kenya and the manner in which abuse cases were being reported and handled. The underlying need within the child protection sector was:

  • Inadequate comprehensive child protection services for children in Kenya and
  • Limited coordination mechanisms to respond to child protection issues among partners and emergency service providers.

Childline Kenya was therefore established to create an enabling environment for children to voice their concerns, be listened to and be linked with essential services through a coordinated referral system Nationwide. It was founded, as an NGO, by Plan International, SOS Children’s Villages and the Kenya Alliance for the Advancement of Children (KAACR). It was registered in 2005 by the NGO Coordination Board.

In 2006, Childline Kenya and its partners launched the toll free helpline with 11 digits 0800 221 0800. The first call was received in November 2006.

In 2008 Childline Kenya and the Department of Children services launched the three-digit Helpline number, 116, which was easier to remember, and was also available on mobile devices for free from anywhere in Kenya. Through the Helpline, children can reach out to report abuse and other concerns that cause distress to them and receive the necessary support including immediate counseling and effective referral to child protection services. Other members of the public also access the Helpline to report cases on behalf of children

Board of Directors

George W. Okado

Board Chairman

Martha K. Sunda

Executive Director, Board Secretary (Ex-Officio)

Japheth G. Njenga

Board Treasurer

Marcellina A. Obudo

Board Member

Jaswinder K. Benawra

Board Member

Our Partnerships

Childline’s work is the product of useful partnerships as follows.

Partnership with the Government of Kenya

In a public private partnership arrangement, Childline Kenya and the Government of Kenya, through the Department of Children Services, manage the Child Helpline 116. The number 116 belongs to the Government and Childline manages it on behalf of the Government as a technical partner. Response to cases reported through the Helpline is coordinated by the children officers situated at the County and Sub-county levels allover Kenya and the data subsequently fed into the National Child Protection Information Management System.

Development Partnerships

These are partners who offer financial support and technical support. Our current development partners include:

  1. Government of Kenya
  2. UNICEF
  3. Terre des Hommes, Netherlands
  4. GlobalGiving
  5. CAF America
  6. Child Helpline International
  7. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance-Kenya
  8. Several individuals who continue to support our work

Referral Partnerships

These are institutions, organizations and individuals who provide various child protection services. It is to these entities that cases reported through the Helpline are referred for additional services and support. The services offered include but are not limited to:

  1. Child Therapy
  2. Medical Support
  3. Legal Aid
  4. Mediation and Family Therapy
  5. Rescue services
  6. Temporary Shelter

Resource Center

Read More

Corporate Strategy 2019-2022

The Corporate Strategy of Childline Kenya, 2019-2022, is grounded on our vision of upholding the rights and dignity of children. This will be achieved through ICT innovations. Our work is carried out within a set of values that underpin our daily decisions.

Read More

Protecting Children against Violence - Booklet

Violence against children is any action or words that cause harm, injury or sadness to children. It can be physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect. It happens in homes, schools and communities across Kenya, no matter the tribe, religion, or upbringing. Adults, young people, or even other children can cause violence. Below is a list of the different kinds of violence, and a picture of what children and young people in Kenya have experienced.

Read More

Child Sexual Abuse Research Report-CLK-2011

This policy paper was compiled and published by Childline Kenya, a non-governmental organization (NGO) registered in Kenya under the NGO Coordination Act in 2005. Childline Kenya works by implementing innovative communication and technology-driven programmes. Our core service is the National Child Helpline 116, Kenya's only 24-hour, toll-free telephone and web-based helpline for children. It is operated by Childline Kenya on behalf of the Kenya Government's Department of Children's Services

Read More

Child Protection Data Analysis - 2019

The National Helpline 116 is a confidential reporting platform that is accessible to children and adults who have identified or witnessed violence against children and feel the need to report anonymously. It is also used as a means to get information on child related issues and also access to counseling services.

Read More

See More


Badges/Awards