On May 23, 2025, the Lift the Children team joined national stakeholders at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Ngong, Kajiado County to commemorate International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD). This year’s theme—“Because One Missing Child Is One Too Many”—called the nation to collective action and remembrance.

The day began with an 8-kilometer awareness walk through the streets of Ngong, rallying the community around the cause and symbolizing our commitment to finding every lost child. Participants included children, caregivers, government officials, child protection NGOs, and faith leaders—united in purpose and resolve.

Organized by the State Department for Children Services (SDCS), the event highlighted the scale of the crisis. In 2024 alone, Kenya recorded 8,824 cases of missing children. While 2,336 were safely reunited or placed in care, 3,866 children remain unaccounted for—a sobering reminder of the work ahead.

Lift the Children was honored with the privilege of delivering a keynote speech on behalf of the Technical Working Group on Missing Children in Kenya. We emphasized the need for prevention-focused strategies, robust tracing systems, reintegration programs, and stronger partnerships between government, civil society, and community structures. Our message was clear: Kila Mtoto Ni Muhimu—every child matters.

As part of our support for the day, LTC provided drinking water for over 600 attendees, ensuring participants stayed refreshed throughout the impactful program. Performances by children, exhibitions from protection agencies, and addresses by dignitaries—including the Principal Secretary and Members of Parliament—further amplified the call for urgent, coordinated response mechanisms.

This day was not just a remembrance—it was a movement. One that we, at Lift the Children, are proud to be part of. Together, we renew our promise to protect every child, raise awareness, and advocate until every child is safe, seen, and reunited with those who love them.