Eugine Wabwile 
BY ELIJA WANYAMA
As the nation observes the Day of Missing Children, concerns escalate over the increasing number of missing child cases across the country. In response, the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs has unveiled significant reforms to enhance community child protection mechanisms.The new framework mandates that all missing children cases be reported collaboratively to both the Children’s Department and law enforcement agencies. Authorities who fail to act swiftly on these reports will face strict accountability measures.
Data from the Child Protection Information Management System, maintained by the Directorate of Children Services, reveals that over 44,000 children are currently in government care without identified parents or guardians. The report further highlights alarming figures, including 1,636 missing children cases, 1,952 abductions, 6,820 abandonment cases, and 173 trafficking incidents.To address the crisis, a special committee will soon be established to thoroughly investigate the cases and propose comprehensive, long-term strategies to safeguard vulnerable children and prevent future occurrences.
