Lodwar, May 5, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Childline Kenya has identified Turkana County as a potential site for a decentralised child support call centre, marking a major step toward expanding child protection services to underserved regions.
The announcement was made during a courtesy call to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. John Erus. The team was led by Childline Kenya’s Executive Director, Martha Sunda, accompanied by the organisation’s Patron, Ambassador Lemarron Kaanto, and Board Chairman George Okado.
The visit forms part of a national initiative by Childline Kenya in partnership with the Directorate of Children Services (DCS), aimed at assessing the feasibility of decentralising the 116 national child helpline.
Turkana is one of the ten counties under consideration.
The proposed call centres are expected to enhance reporting and resolution of child welfare issues, particularly in remote areas, by providing services in local languages and bridging long-standing communication gaps.
“This initiative is anchored in broader consultations with county governments, civil society, communities, and children. Turkana stands out as a priority because of its demonstrated need and commitment,” said Sunda.
It is believed that a local call centre will improve the response rate and make it easier for children and caregivers to access help.
Currently, only two call centres exist in Nairobi and Eldoret. If established, the Turkana centre would be the third, signalling a shift toward county-level ownership of child protection services.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus welcomed the initiative, terming it timely and in line with the county’s efforts to strengthen child protection frameworks.
“Turkana has invested significantly in grassroots structures to promote child safety. The addition of a call centre will reinforce these efforts, ensuring inclusivity through local-language services and enhanced access for rural communities,” said Dr. Erus.
He further directed sub-county and village administrators to remain vigilant and fully utilise formal reporting channels to combat child abuse.
Additionally, the Deputy Governor affirmed the county’s readiness to collaborate with Childline Kenya to ensure the centre becomes operational.
Data presented during the meeting revealed that Turkana reported 332 child protection cases in 2024, with only 176, roughly 50 per cent, receiving timely intervention. By comparison, Kilifi County recorded a resolution rate of 87 per cent out of 426 cases, underscoring the need for improved systems in Turkana.
“The gap is significant,” said Sunda. “Localised interventions like the proposed call centre are essential to improving these numbers.”
To formalise the collaboration, Turkana County and Childline Kenya resolved to establish a joint steering committee that will develop a tailored Memorandum of Understanding (Mou). The Mou will reflect Turkana’s unique context, including the presence of refugee populations, infrastructure constraints, cross-border dynamics, and the need for culturally sensitive approaches.
Also present during the meeting were County Attorney Ruth Emanikor; Deputy County Secretaries Joseph Nyang’a (Administration) and Dr. Albert Gamoe (Cabinet Affairs); and Governor’s Office Advisor Francis Imutom. Directors and deputies from various county units, including Gender and Youth, Social Protection, Disaster Risk Management, Early Childhood Education, ICT and E-governance and Resource Mobilisation, were present.
