ROLE OF NON-STATE ACTORS IN PROVIDING SOCIAL PROTECTION AND UPHOLDING THE CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN KENYA

Abstract

Introduction. The Kenyan government faces a significant challenge in protecting the welfare and upholding the rights of vulnerable children whose number has increased significantly due to HIV pandemic. Even though the government through its constitution clearly outlines the right of every child to basic human rights, vulnerable children lack access to children rights such as education, good nutrition, shelter and health care access. Non state actors including non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, private entities, international organizations and community groups therefore play an increasingly important role in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children. These organizations provide basic services such as shelter, education and health with the aim of filling the gap where the Kenyan government falls short, even though they constantly face challenges like poor governance and coordination. The purpose of the study is to interrogate the role that non state actors play in providing social protection and upholding citizenship rights of vulnerable children in Kenya. Methods. The study used desktop research method to collect qualitative data on the role played by non-state actors in providing social protection to vulnerable children in Kenya. Focus was given to peer reviewed articles, demographic health surveys and government reports. Thematic analysis was carried out to establish patterns, trends and associations from the data collected through coding. Different themes were generated with the aim of capturing the original content of the data collected. Results and their discussion. The results showed that non state actors are the backbone of social protection among vulnerable children in Kenya through addressing a wide range of child vulnerabilities which the government has been unable to address. The results from this article will help policy makers, non state actors and donors in coming up with practical approaches for improving social policy outcomes in Kenya.