Homa Bay County hosted the national celebrations for the Day of the African Child on June 16, 2026, bringing together government officials, civil society, and hundreds of children at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town.
The event, held under the theme "Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” spotlighted the persistent WASH challenges affecting children across the continent and called for accelerated action to close the gap.
The celebrations were organized by the County Government of Homa Bay in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, the State Department for Children Services, Plan International, Oasis Health, and SHOFCO.
Elizabeth Kosgei, who represented First Lady Rachel Ruto as chief guest, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Office of the First Lady. She said access to clean water, safe sanitation, and hygiene was fundamental to child survival, health, and learning.
"Strengthening standards for children's institutions to ensure access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities that will uphold children's dignity, safety and power," Kosgei said “The government remains committed to working with counties and partners to ensure no child is left behind,” she added.
Homa Bay Governor, H.E Gladys Wanga, represented by Eng. Elijah Munga, said that the county had prioritized WASH in its development agenda, pointing to ongoing investments in water infrastructure, school sanitation facilities, and hygiene education programs.
“We are using this platform to renew our commitment to children and to show what partnership between county, national government, civil society and community can achieve,” Munga said.
Representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services and the State Department for Children Services said the national government was scaling up programs to reach marginalized children, particularly in arid and underserved areas.
The event featured performances, poetry, and exhibitions by school children highlighting the importance of clean water and hygiene. Children from across the county participated in discussions on their rights and the barriers they face in accessing basic services.
The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on June 16 in memory of the 1976 Soweto uprising. The 2026 national theme reflects the African Union’s focus on child health and development as central to Agenda 2063.
The event concluded with a call for multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure that by 2030, every child in Africa has access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene services in homes, schools, and health facilities.
