United Kenya Rising (UKR) joined fellow stakeholders in the child welfare sector, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Child Care Institutions (CCIs), government agencies, development partners, and community members in commemorating the Day of the African Child 2026.
The event brought together diverse voices committed to advancing the rights and wellbeing of children across Africa. This year’s commemoration was guided by the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.” The theme highlighted the critical role that access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene plays in safeguarding children’s health, dignity, education, and overall development.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the celebration was the active participation of children, who took center stage throughout the event. Through creative performances, poetry recitals, songs, and artistic presentations, children shared powerful messages about their experiences, aspirations, and the importance of protecting their rights. Their voices served as a reminder that children are not merely beneficiaries of development programs but important stakeholders whose perspectives must be heard and valued.
During the event, stakeholders collectively emphasized that every child deserves access to basic human rights, including clean water, education, healthcare, protection, and a safe environment in which to grow and thrive. Speakers called for increased collaboration among governments, organizations, communities, and families to ensure that no child is left behind.
As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families, United Kenya Rising continues to champion initiatives that promote children’s wellbeing and dignity. UKR has made significant strides in ensuring that children have access to basic and essential needs through sustainable, family-centered interventions.
Through our Family Care Model Approach, UKR collaborates closely with families and communities to strengthen household capacities and create nurturing environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive. We believe that children flourish best when they are cared for within stable and supportive family settings, and our programs are designed to empower families to provide that care.
In line with this year’s theme, UKR’s Dignified Homes Program has contributed to improving access to safe water for vulnerable families. Through this initiative, families have been supported with water storage tanks, enabling them to harvest and store water for domestic use. Additionally, UKR has provided water filtration systems to help households access clean and safe drinking water, reducing the risks associated with waterborne diseases and promoting healthier living conditions.
These interventions not only improve household resilience but also contribute to better health outcomes, school attendance, and overall quality of life for children and their families.
As we commemorated the Day of the African Child, UKR reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for children’s rights and supporting sustainable solutions that enhance their