Child Safegaurding and Rights Protection

At HD-CBO, the safety and well-being of every child in our community is paramount. Our child safeguarding approach is firmly grounded in Kenyan laws and international conventions that protect children’s rights and promote their holistic development.

Healthy Desire Community Based Organization Legal Framework

Our work aligns with key national legislation including the Constitution of Kenya (2010) Article 53, the Children Act 2022, and the Kenya Children Policy (2025). These laws affirm every child’s right to life, protection from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, as well as access to health, education, and parental care. The Children Act criminalizes child abuse and establishes mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable children, ensuring their best interests are a priority at all times.

We also comply with international standards such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which emphasize survival, development, protection, and participation rights for all children.

Our Commitment to Child Safeguarding

• Prevention of Harm: We implement strict measures to prevent all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect in every program and interaction involving children.
• Safe Environments: We create safe, secure, and nurturing spaces where children can freely express themselves and participate in activities without fear.
• Child Participation: Children’s views and voices are respected and actively sought to ensure their involvement in decisions affecting their lives.
• Capacity Building: We train staff, partners, and community members on child protection principles and reporting mechanisms.
• Confidential Reporting: Clear, accessible channels are in place for reporting concerns or incidents confidentially, ensuring timely and appropriate responses.

Safeguarding Children Online

In line with the Communications Authority of Kenya’s guidelines (2025), we ensure children’s online safety by promoting responsible use of digital technologies, protecting against harmful content, and advocating for privacy and age-appropriate access to online information.

Community and Multi-sector Collaboration

We engage parents, caregivers, local authorities, health professionals, and law enforcement to build a coordinated child protection network that supports children’s safety, health, and development. At HD-CBO, safeguarding children is not just a policy but a core value guiding all our interventions to protect Kenya's most precious resource—the child.