The National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the protection and welfare of children in Kenya. As a semi-autonomous agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the NCCS operates under the State Department for Social Security and Protection. Established under Section 41 of the Children Act 2022, the NCCS is mandated with regulating, coordinating, and overseeing all children’s services across the country.
Located at Social Security House, 4th floor, Block C, along Bishop Road in Nairobi, the Council serves as a central body for the development and implementation of child welfare policies and programmes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the core functions of NCCS and its role in promoting the welfare and rights of children in Kenya.
Key Functions of the National Council for Children’s Services
1. Regulation and Oversight of Children’s Services
The NCCS is responsible for regulating and coordinating children’s services across Kenya. This includes overseeing the implementation of various programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of children.
2. Hague Convention Central Authority on Inter-Country Adoptions
As the designated central authority, the NCCS ensures that all inter-country adoptions comply with the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoptions, preventing the sale, abduction, or trafficking of children. The agency ensures that the best interests of the child are always prioritized during adoption processes.
3. Enforcement of International Law on Children’s Rights
NCCS monitors and evaluates the enforcement of international treaties and laws that are binding on Kenya concerning children’s rights. This includes ensuring that Kenya remains compliant with global standards regarding child protection.
4. Collaboration with State and Non-State Actors
The Council works closely with both government and non-government organizations to ensure that social programmes for children are efficient and effective. These collaborations ensure a unified approach toward child welfare across the country.
5. Policy Development and Child Protection Codes
NCCS develops and enforces policies and codes of conduct to regulate child protection and welfare practices. These policies set the framework for how children’s rights are safeguarded in various institutions.
6. Public Education and Awareness on Children’s Rights
The Council is also tasked with developing and implementing public education programmes to increase awareness of children’s rights. These campaigns aim to inform the public about their roles in protecting and supporting children’s welfare.
7. Technical Support for Child Welfare Programmes
NCCS provides technical advice and support to state and non-state agencies involved in child welfare programmes. This ensures that these programmes are implemented effectively and aligned with the national child protection agenda.
8. Formulating Kenya’s International Child-Related Obligations
The Council plays a crucial role in helping Kenya fulfill its regional and international obligations regarding children’s welfare. This includes formulating reports and evaluating the implementation of treaties and conventions.
9. Regulation of Charitable Children’s Institutions
The NCCS is responsible for registering, evaluating, and monitoring charitable children’s institutions. It ensures that these institutions operate according to the standards set by the Children’s Act, promoting the welfare of vulnerable children.
10. Advising on the Establishment of Rescue Centres
The Council advises the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection on the establishment of children’s rescue centres. These centres provide a safe haven for children in need of care and protection.
Additional Roles in Child Protection and Adoption
11. Public Awareness on Child Rights
The NCCS formulates programmes aimed at creating public awareness on all matters related to children’s rights and welfare. This outreach ensures that the general public remains informed about how they can contribute to child protection efforts.
12. Appointment of Guardians ad Litem
The Council establishes panels of guardians ad litem (court-appointed guardians) to represent the interests of children in legal matters, including adoption. It also maintains a register of these guardians.
13. County Children Advisory Committees
NCCS regulates and manages County Children Advisory Committees, which provide advice on children’s welfare matters at the county level, ensuring localized attention to child protection.
14. Research and Data Management
The Council promotes and conducts research on child welfare and protection, disseminating findings that help inform policies and practices. It also maintains a comprehensive database on children, including those eligible for adoption and those already adopted.
15. Advising on Adoption Procedures
The NCCS provides guidance to the Cabinet Secretary on matters related to adoption practices and procedures. It supports licensed adoption agencies and individuals intending to undertake both domestic and inter-country adoptions.
16. Database of Children Available for Adoption
The Council manages a register of children available for adoption and keeps a list of prospective adoptive parents. It also certifies and declares children free for adoption.
17. Cooperation with International Agencies on Adoption
NCCS fosters cooperation between local and international agencies concerning adoption, including the tracing and repatriation of children in need of care.
18. Monitoring of Adoption Fees
The Council reviews and recommends fees charged by adoption agencies and societies, ensuring that the process remains transparent and accessible to qualified families.
19. Annual Reporting on Adoption
The NCCS prepares and submits annual reports to the Cabinet Secretary, detailing the status of adoptions and making recommendations for improving adoption processes in Kenya.
Contact Information for NCCS
For more information or assistance from the National Council for Children’s Services, you can reach out through the following contacts:
- Phone: +254-20-2729801-19, 020 310257, +254-20-2691023
- Email: info@nccs.go.ke, enquiries@nccs.go.ke, watotonccs@socialprotection.go.ke
- Physical Address: Social Security House, 4th Floor, Block C, Bishop Road, Nairobi
The National Council for Children’s Services plays a critical role in safeguarding the welfare and rights of children in Kenya. Through its various functions, ranging from policy formulation to overseeing adoption processes, the NCCS ensures that children in Kenya are protected, empowered, and given opportunities for a better future. The Council’s continued collaboration with both local and international organizations further strengthens its ability to serve as the guardian of children’s rights in the country.
