The SafeCare Kenya Project is a five-year initiative aimed at testing the effectiveness of the SafeCare program in the Kenyan context. Children exposed to unsafe environments, harsh parenting practices, or neglect face a heightened risk of poor developmental outcomes. SafeCare is an evidence-based global intervention designed to mitigate these risks by strengthening parenting practices, promoting positive parent-child interactions, and improving health and safety in the home environment. This marks the first implementation of the SafeCare program in Africa.

Research shows that over 70% of Kenyan adults report experiencing harsh parenting during childhood, highlighting a significant need for parenting interventions that equip caregivers with skills to foster healthier, more nurturing relationships with their children. By evaluating the impact of the SafeCare intervention on parent-child interaction, child safety, and child health, this project aims to generate critical evidence to inform scaling-up efforts across Kenya and potentially other parts of the continent.

Project Overview

The project is being implemented in Kibera, Nairobi. To achieve its objectives, the project will engage:

  • 4 SafeCare Trainers
  • 24 Community Health Promoters (CHPs)
  • 312 families

Of the 24 CHPs, 16 will be randomly selected and trained by the four SafeCare Trainers to deliver the intervention, while the remaining 8 will provide standard (usual) care. Among the 312 families:

  • 208 families will receive the SafeCare intervention (104 in-person and 104 via Zoom)
  • 104 families will receive usual care from their CHPs

Families will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention), 6 months, and 18 months to determine whether those receiving the SafeCare intervention demonstrate improved outcomes in parent-child interaction, child health, and child safety compared to those receiving usual care. Positive results will serve as the foundation for potential national and regional scale-up.

Progress to Date

The project has made commendable progress since its inception:

  • In 2024, the first cohort of 12 CHPs was recruited.
    • 8 were trained to deliver SafeCare.
    • 4 were retained to provide standard care.
  • A total of 84 families have been enrolled, with:
    • 55 families receiving the SafeCare intervention
    • 29 families receiving usual care

A second cohort of 12 CHPs was recently recruited to support continued implementation and expansion. As with the first cohort, eight were trained to deliver the SafeCare intervention, while four were retained to provide usual care. These CHPs will be instrumental in broadening the program’s reach within the community.

Stakeholder Engagement

SafeCare Kenya has brought together a multisectoral team of stakeholders to guide effective implementation, including representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations focused on child welfare, healthcare providers, and community leaders. These stakeholders offer strategic guidance, ensure alignment with local policies, and help address emerging implementation challenges.

Stakeholders meet biannually to review project progress and provide recommendations. The most recent meeting was held in April 2025 at Taidy’s Tavern in Upper Hill, Nairobi, and was officially opened by Professor David Ndetei.

Key Outcomes of the April 2025 Stakeholder Meeting:

  • A proposal to actively engage fathers and male guardians in the intervention, recognizing their crucial role in child development.
  • A recommendation to enhance the capacity of CHVs to identify and refer cases of child neglect and abuse to appropriate support services.
  • A suggestion to explore the integration of the SafeCare Kenya Parent-Child Interaction Module into existing child wellness programs to enhance sustainability and broader impact.

As the SafeCare Kenya Project grows, these developments represent critical steps toward creating safer, healthier, and more nurturing environments for young children and their families. The project remains committed to generating evidence to guide its expansion and improve child well-being across Kenya and beyond.