Lumos Kenya supports rollout of National Positive Parenting Programme
01.04.2025
In a landmark move to create safer and more nurturing homes for children, Lumos Kenya has launched the National Positive Parenting Programme, with Embu County leading the way as a model for the nation. The initiative, officially unveiled on March 7th in partnership with the Kenyan Government, aims to equip parents and caregivers with tools to raise children in an environment without violence, fostering love and supporting families across the region.
The launch event was led by Mr. Peter Ochieng, Head of the Family Promotion & Social Welfare Division in the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. Ochieng underscored the government’s resolve to end violence against children, stating “We are committed to investing in education, health, justice, and social protection to stop violence,”. He added, “This programme gives parents skills in non-violent discipline, communication, and emotional control to build safer homes.”
Mr. Peter Ochieng and Grace Mwangi open the Positive Parenting Training Service Centre.
This initiative comes in light of a 2019 survey, finding that nearly half of Kenyan girls (45.9%) and over half of boys (56.1%) face violence in childhood, often from parents or caregivers1. Poverty, disability, harmful traditions, and family struggles leave millions of children vulnerable. The Positive Parenting Programme is part of a broader plan to support two million families by 2027 and shift children from orphanages to family-based care under the National Care Reform Strategy for Children in Kenya (2022-2032).
Embu County is setting the standard with trained facilitators who will guide parents in small groups across all sub-counties. Partnering with Lumos Kenya, the government has also opened Positive Parenting Training Service Centres—family-friendly community spaces where parents can access training and support.
These centres aim to make resources widely available and incorporate positive parenting practices into existing child protection efforts for lasting change.
Grace Mwangi, Lumos Kenya Country Director, called the centres ‘Family Health Clinics,’ emphasising their role in helping parents create loving environments where children can thrive. The programme prioritises diverse groups, including parents of children with disabilities, young parents, and families in crisis, to prevent violence and reduce reliance on institutional care.
The Embu model is already inspiring plans to expand nationwide. Both the Kenyan government and Lumos are urging more partners to join the effort. “Embu County will show the way for sustainable change,” Mwangi said, highlighting its potential as a blueprint for Kenya.
The centre embodies our mission, working to counter violence which is a key driver in the separation of families.
Winfred Ngamau, Lumos Kenya Care Reform Regional Coordinator, shared, “I was amazed—this idea will outlive us. Facilitators told us heartfelt stories; some even cried. This is one of the best ways to prevent violence.” Another member of Lumos Kenya, Catherine Mureithi, added “This centre is a game changer, offering training and counselling under one roof to transform the community.”. Eddy Kilalo, Lumos Kenya Operations and Security Officer noted the sustainability of the centre and careful attention to the needs of the community when designing this programme “The outlook of the main centre is also child friendly, with stakeholders saying that children who accompany their parents will feel comfortable”.
With this initiative, Kenya is taking bold steps toward a future where every child grows up safe, loved, and supported—a vision that has been backed through careful collaboration, investment, and a shared commitment to change.
