The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting family values through comprehensive policies, including the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection (2023).
The government’s initiatives were highlighted by the Principal Secretary (PS) for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, Mr. Joseph Motari in a speech during the official opening of the 2nd Pan-African Conference on Family Values (PACFV) in Nairobi on Monday.
“Families are the foundation of our society and we must support and protect them. The national policy on family promotion and protection is a testament to our dedication in this regard,” Motari said.
Motari said the government was actively implementing the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, benefiting over 1.7 million vulnerable Kenyans, including older persons, orphans and persons with disabilities.
He noted that the government was working to pass the Older Persons Bill to safeguard the rights and dignity of the senior citizens.
Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) Chairperson, Ann Mbugua, praised the government’s efforts and highlighted the importance of faith in promoting family values.
“Family is the bedrock of society, and safeguarding it is a shared responsibility. This conference serves as a platform to unite, reflect and reinforce our commitment to preserving these values,” said Mrs. Mbugua.
The Pan-African Conference on Family Values, organized by ACPF, has brought together government officials, faith leaders, professionals, representatives and delegates from across Africa and outside Africa to discuss pressing issues affecting families.
The conference features presentations, panel discussions and a Family Symposium focused on promoting and protecting family values.
African Christians Professionals Forum (ACPF) Vice Chair and the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) Chair, Charles Kanjama, emphasized the critical role of religious freedom in maintaining a values-based society.
“Religious freedom is a pillar of a healthy society, and we must safeguard it alongside our commitment to life and family. ACPF and KCPF stand united in this mission,” Kanjama said.
The conference will also celebrate the International Day of Families, providing a platform for participants to exchange experiences and strategies for safeguarding family values in their respective countries.
Participants are expected to engage in discussions on the sanctity of life, religious freedoms, the protection of traditional family structures and solutions to emerging issues, such as youth exploitation, family breakdown and foreign cultural influences.
By Gabriel Mwangi and Esther Mulongo
