The Africa Children’s Summit (ACS) 2025 Kenya Pre-Summit has officially commenced today, February 28, 2025, at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi. Running until March 1, this crucial event serves as a platform for Kenyan children to actively participate in shaping policies and programs that impact their lives and wellbeing.
The Pre-Summit has brought together over 100 children from all 47 counties in Kenya, offering them a unique opportunity to share their perspectives, co-create discussions, and present key recommendations on pressing issues affecting them. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that children are Seen, Heard, and Engaged in national and regional decision-making processes.
Empowering Young Voices
The Africa Children’s Summit (ACS) is a regional movement designed to amplify children’s voices in policymaking and governance. Launched in 2023, ACS has become a vital platform for child-led advocacy, bringing together children from across the continent to discuss critical issues such as education, climate change, violence, and access to healthcare.
The first ACS, held in Nairobi in 2023, saw over 300 children convene to engage in high-level discussions with global leaders, including representatives from the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU). Led by children and supported by Mtoto News, ACS has successfully established itself as a powerful forum where young voices influence policies and decision-making processes.
Towards ACS 2025 in Johannesburg
Building on the momentum of past summits, the ACS 2025 continental gathering is set to take place from April 4 to April 7, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Hosted by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), this landmark event will convene over 200 children from all five African regions. The summit will provide a platform for young leaders to assess progress, address challenges, and propose solutions to issues affecting African children today.
The ACS model champions child-led advocacy, inclusivity, and cross-sector collaboration. By creating a space where children’s voices are not only acknowledged but acted upon, the summit fosters a culture of meaningful engagement and empowerment.
As the Kenya Pre-Summit unfolds, children and stakeholders alike are focused on ensuring that the insights gathered will contribute to tangible policy changes, ultimately shaping a brighter future for the children of Africa. The journey to ACS 2025 in Johannesburg is well underway, with young leaders from Kenya taking the first step in making their voices count.
