By Obiabin Onukwugha
Kenya has launched a 5-year ambitious plan known as World Vision Kenya (WVK) 2026–2030 Strategy and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Business Plan, tagged “Transforming 13.3 Million Children’s Lives Together.”
The vision aimed at transforming the lives of 13.3 million children across 33 counties, with a strong focus on climate resilience, water access, child protection and strategic partnerships, was launched in Nairobi, Kenya capital city on Monday.
Launching the Plan, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Engr. Festus Ng’eno, called for stronger collaboration between government, development partners and the private sector to address growing environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Ng’eno said the strategy comes at a critical time as Kenya grapples with climate change impacts, water insecurity and persistent vulnerability among children and marginalized communities.
“The success of these efforts must ultimately be measured by their impact on people especially children who are disproportionately affected by climate change, environmental degradation and socio-economic shocks,” he said.
Ng’eno noted that the priorities align closely with national development goals, including the government’s campaign to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 and efforts to expand climate-resilient water and sanitation services.
He observed that only about 59 percent of Kenyans have access to safe drinking water and just 29 percent to improved sanitation, underscoring the need for sustained investment and partnerships.
With development financing under pressure globally, the Principal Secretary emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with national and county governments, bilateral partners and the private sector.
He cited the Salgaa Local Area Programme in Nakuru County supported by an annual county contribution of KSh20 million as an example of successful localized partnership.
The PS also pledged Government support to the implementation through policy alignment, technical collaboration, joint advocacy for climate finance and strengthened coordination at the county level.
World Vision Kenya reported that its previous 2020–2025 strategy reached 9.4 million children in 32 counties, including 2.2 million through direct programming and 1.27 million protected from violence. About 900,000 people gained access to clean water during the period, supported by an investment of approximately USD 470 million.
According to Kenya State Department for Environment and Climate Change, the strategy marks a significant commitment by World Vision Kenya and its partners to accelerate progress in child well-being, resilience, and sustainable development across the country.
The strategy is anchored on seven strategic focus areas designed to address the most pressing child well-being challenges in the country. These include: Child protection, Education and child participation, Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Environment and climate change, Health and nutrition, Disaster risk management, Peace building and conflict management
The event brought together key government officials, development partners, and faith-based leaders.
Among those present were Principal Secretary Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs), Dr. Naomi Mutie representing PS Mary Muthoni, David Githanga (Board Chair, World Vision Kenya), Lilian Dodgo (Regional Leader, East Africa – World Vision), Gilbert Kamanga (National Director, World Vision Kenya), and Alphonse Kanga (National Council of Churches of Kenya – NCCK), among others.
