Seventeen children return to family care as Lumos supports transition of a Kenyan institution
21.01.2026
Pictured: Some of the children who will benefit from the transition to family-based care, alongside a social worker from ACK Makutano, the organisation that will provide education and monitoring support to the families.
Children who used to call the charitable children’s institution, ACK Makutano, their home are now all living in family homes.
This is thanks to the introduction of a pioneering family-based care model developed by Lumos in partnership with the Kenyan Government. All of the children – 17 in total – who once called the institution home have now moved to family-based care.
When I heard about care reform I wondered… where will the children go? This was their home. But after the training by Lumos, I understood that family is the best place for the children. As social workers, we cannot love the children enough. In fact, for some this is just a job, but in families, children receive more love.
– Social worker from ACK Makutano.
In a carefully planned process, the children living at the home were gradually reunited with family members or carers. They were all supported in understanding what reintegration means, the responsibilities of each of them, and the support they could continue to receive to assist in the care of the children.
Family members and carers completed commitment forms, pledging to provide love, safety, nutrition, hygiene, access to health services, emotional support, and stability for their children. In turn, ACK Makutano committed to continue supporting education for all of the 17 children and monitoring their progress to ensure they keep thriving in the family.
Pictured: Members involved in the family-care transition process, including Grace Mwangi, Lumos Kenya Country Director (front row, right-hand side).
The benefits of raising a child in a safe and loving family environment are powerful. Children need identity, belonging, love and a connection to their heritage. The transition of ACK Makutano from a children’s home to a community-based service centre represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s care reform journey. It demonstrates that with the right preparation, partnerships and commitment, every child can belong to a family,
– Grace Mwangi, Director of Lumos Kenya.
Since 2022, Lumos Kenya has worked with the Kenyan Government and partners to prevent unnecessary family separation. Our evidence-based approach shows that family-based care delivers better outcomes for children, costs less, and provides stronger long-term results.
The transition of ACK Makutano is part of Kenya’s National Care Reform strategy (2022-2032), co-developed with Lumos’ technical leadership to help more children grow up in a safe and loving family.
