Child Disappearances in Kenya Should Be Declared a National Crisis

According to Missing Child Kenya, upwards of 17 to 24 children go missing every day. Their ages vary from infancy to the teenage years. With these numbers hiking on a daily basis, there is a growing concern that this should be labeled a national crisis so that better policies can be put in place to address the issue.

​The most disheartening reality is that many missing children are eventually found in horrific condition—brutally murdered. This raises several questions: What is the motive behind all this? What has society turned into? What does it mean to be human if a person can kill an innocent child for their own satisfaction? It is not only diabolical but deeply worrying, especially because no clear patterns or trails have been established in the quest to solve these puzzles.

​The issue is escalating, and we must stop waiting on the system and become more vigilant as a society. Stay alert and stay guided. Most of the time, our instincts are aware of our surroundings; if you suspect anything "fishy" in your neighborhood or see a child who looks out of place, kindly report it. We need to go back to our roots and take responsibility for our environment to help curb this matter, which is leaving families wrecked with pain and trauma. Caution is better than regret, and right now, it seems like the strongest step we have on the ground.

​Beyond staying vigilant, we can support the work of organizations like Missing Child Kenya and the Child Welfare Society of Kenya. Furthermore, the system should be pushed to do better. Advocating for the full implementation of the Children Act 2022 and demanding that local leaders prioritize child safety in their development agendas are vital steps toward making our environment safer. It is a somber reminder that safety is a collective responsibility; no family should have to walk this path of trauma alone.

​Losing children should never be normalized. It is tragic that the majority of these cases never see justice; after the burial, cases often go cold because families cannot keep up with the demands of the legal process. To children’s rights bodies, human rights organizations, the society at large, and the government: let us seek better ways to handle these situations. Trauma and pain hardly ever go away. We must all be on the lookout so we can address this issue in its totality.

​To the parents: be cautious of everyone and every path. Do not let your children leave your sight, and if you are not around, ensure they are safe. Know your environment and be strict about playing hours and boundaries. If need be, pick your children up from school and avoid letting them use isolated paths or travel during odd hours. Always stay suspicious—it keeps you awake and ensures safety. Let us go back to being our brother’s keeper. These are dark days, and we need joined efforts if we are to fight this evil.