The Kenyan government has repatriated a toddler from Indonesia after the child’s mother was arrested there. The reason for her arrest is not yet clear.
The baby arrived safely at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday morning. She was accompanied by Diaspora Affairs officer Grace Akello.
At the airport, a team from the Mathare Constituency Children’s Office and the Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD) received the child.
The child was formally handed over to her grandmother. Her aunt was also present.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the Kenya Mission in Jakarta covered all repatriation costs. This ensured the child would not be placed in state care in Indonesia.
Under Indonesian law, an infant stays with the mother for a certain period. If no relative claims custody, the child is placed in a children’s home.
If a caregiver is detained in Indonesia, authorities try to find a close relative for the child. If none is available, the child may go to a child protection centre or home until the case is resolved. Foreign embassies or consulates often help with repatriation or temporary guardianship.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu praised the cooperation of all agencies. She said the repatriation shows the government’s commitment to protecting Kenyans abroad, especially vulnerable children.
By Vivian K.