NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Chief Justice David Maraga has raised alarm over the growing number of missing children cases in Kenya, calling for urgent government intervention and stronger protection systems to safeguard minors from abduction, trafficking and exploitation.
In a statement issued as the country marked International Missing Children’s Day, Maraga described the rising cases as a national crisis that should concern every Kenyan regardless of political affiliation or social status.
The former Chief Justice said the increasing reports of children disappearing across the country reflected deeper failures within child protection systems and law enforcement agencies.
“A society that cannot protect its children risks losing its moral foundation,” Maraga said while urging authorities to act decisively against criminal networks targeting minors.
His remarks come amid growing concern following government data showing that more than 10,500 child protection cases were reported between January 2025 and March 2026.
According to the State Department for Children Services, the cases include 1,952 abductions, 1,636 missing children incidents involving lost and found minors, and 173 trafficking cases.
Officials say Nairobi County recorded the highest number of cases followed by Nakuru, Kakamega, Homa Bay and Kiambu.
Maraga called on security agencies to prioritise investigations into missing children cases and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly.
He also challenged the government to establish stronger emergency response systems and improve coordination between police, schools, child welfare agencies and communities.
The former Chief Justice further urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, especially regarding children’s online activities, warning that predators were increasingly using social media platforms to lure minors.
Child protection agencies have linked the rise in disappearances to poverty, neglect, domestic violence, online grooming and trafficking syndicates operating across counties and borders.
Recent high-profile cases involving missing children have triggered outrage on social media and renewed calls for a national missing children alert system similar to Amber Alerts used in other countries.
The State Department for Children Services says it has intensified rescue operations, family tracing and reintegration programmes while urging Kenyans to report missing children cases immediately through Child Helpline 116 or nearby police stations.
Maraga said protecting children must remain a national priority and warned against allowing the issue to fade from public attention.
“We must build a country where every child feels safe, protected and valued,” he stated.
