Kenya has recorded a worrying rise in cases involving missing children, with authorities revealing that 10,581 children were reported missing in the past year.
The figures, announced during the commemoration of International Missing Children’s Day, represent a sharp increase from the 8,800 cases reported in 2024.
Speaking during the event held at Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services Hanna Cheptumo described the trend as alarming and urged families and communities to work together in protecting children.
The event brought together more than 300 participants, including students, parents, teachers, civil society groups and government officials under the theme: “Strengthening Parental and Community Care to Prevent Child Disappearance.”
“As government strengthens systems, families and communities must also play their role,” said Cheptumo.
Officials at the gathering stressed that the growing crisis cannot be left to government agencies alone, insisting that schools, neighbours, religious institutions and families must all participate in child protection efforts.
Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o said the occasion was important in highlighting the plight of missing children and strengthening partnerships aimed at improving child safety.
“We are glad that the university is hosting us for this important event. This day provides us an opportunity to support the plight of missing children,” she said.
Children officer for Githunguri, June Wachira warned against treating child disappearance cases casually, saying such attitudes expose more children to danger.
According to Wachira, several interventions are already underway across the country, including policy guidelines, county child protection structures, multi-sector partnerships and improved follow-up systems to respond to missing child reports more effectively.
Media personality Janet Mbugua also urged Kenyans to revive the spirit of communal responsibility in raising children.
“A child does not belong to one institution or one parent — a child belongs to each and every one of us,” she said.
Mbugua noted that social media has become a powerful tool in spreading awareness about missing children. Using her online platforms, which reach more than one million followers, she regularly shares information about missing child cases in an effort to help families trace their loved ones.
Participants at the event also promoted the hashtag #IMCD2026NeverForgotten to encourage more digital awareness campaigns.
Speakers further warned parents about the growing dangers children face online, saying threats are no longer limited to physical spaces.
Online grooming, exploitation and harmful digital content were identified as major risks targeting children through smartphones and social media platforms.
Athena Morgan encouraged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity and educate them about internet safety.
“Safety is not guaranteed by a child staying in the house. Safety is only guaranteed if a child has been educated,” she said.
Mbugua also challenged society to abandon indifference and embrace the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasises collective responsibility and community care.
The message resonated strongly with students attending the event, some of whom lamented the decline of close-knit neighbourhoods where communities once looked out for children together.
One student reflected on how neighbours previously warned children about dangers and quickly noticed when something unusual happened.
He argued that restoring such community vigilance could help authorities trace missing children faster because neighbours, classmates and teachers would quickly realise when a child disappears.
Citizens were also encouraged to adopt a “see something, say something” culture whenever they encounter a child who appears abandoned, distressed or lost.
“A child who appears lost, abandoned, distressed or under suspicious control should not be ignored,” Cheptumo said, adding that there is no waiting period required before reporting a missing child.
Authorities also encouraged Kenyans to use the National Child Helpline 116 to report missing child cases immediately.
One of the most emotional moments during the event came from Torus Pilly, whose three-year-old son disappeared in March.
Pilly recounted the painful experience of initially assuming the child had gone to visit neighbours before panic grew as hours passed without any trace of him.
Despite reporting the case at several police stations and seeking media attention, the child has still not been found.
“My question is, how can a child just get lost like that? How long do I keep waiting?” he asked emotionally.
He also revealed the emotional burden families face after reporting missing children, saying he has received little support despite visiting police stations almost daily in search of updates.
The event ended with renewed calls for stronger community involvement in child protection, with participants insisting that every child should remain visible, protected and accounted for both offline and online.
“A child must be known at home, noticed in school, protected in the community and safe online,” participants reiterated.