Matildah Kanana

I am an accomplished Child Protection and Care Reform Specialist with over 15 years
of experience driving child protection system change across Kenya. My expertise
spans care reform (CTWWC Initiative) and child protection with a passion for working
with children and families.
I bring demonstrated expertise in project management, care reform implementation,
child protection, case management, safeguarding (children and vulnerable adults,
social service workforce strengthening, disability inclusion and family strengthening, ensuring children thrive in family and community-based care environments. My work
includes strategic investment in family support services, strengthening gatekeeping
mechanisms, and transitioning residential care systems toward sustainable
alternatives upholding the best interest of the child.
As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), I am recognized for building
and coordinating multi-sectoral partnerships that advance sustainable child care
systems. I have successfully engaged governmental and non-governmental actors,
provided technical assistance and influenced policy frameworks to strengthen child
protection system reform. My approach is grounded in holistic stakeholder
engagement, prioritizing the voices of individuals with lived experience of care to
promote inclusive, evidence-based programming for children. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and the prevention of violence against children, I
champion integrated, cross-sectoral approaches that strengthen child welfare systems
and uphold the dignity and protection of every child.

Catholic Relief Services (2016 – 2025)

•           Regional Coordinator, Changing the Way We Care (CTWWC) Initiative (2023–2025)

•           Led child welfare reform across Kenya’s Coast region.

•           Developed Kilifi County Child Policy and contributed to Mombasa County Child Policy roadmap.

•           Spearheaded adoption of Kafaalah as an alternative family care model.

•           Coordinated disability inclusion initiatives, including training 31 Organizations of Persons with Disabilities.

•           Built strong partnerships with government, NGOs, and donors to advance child protection systems.

•           Safeguarding Lead & Focal Point (2021–2025)

•           Oversaw safeguarding implementation for CTWWC partners.

•           Designed and delivered safeguarding training programs.

•           Managed safeguarding risk plans, allegations, and survivor support.

• Mainstreamed safeguarding principles into care reform operations.

Case Management Officer, CTWWC (2019–2023)

•           Directed case management and reintegration of separated children in Kilifi County.

•           Reintegration of 174 children and support for 41 care leavers in entrepreneurship and vocational training.

•           Strengthened local networks, including Charitable Children Institutions and Careleavers CBO.

•           Provided technical oversight on grants, donor reporting, and compliance.

Case Management Officer, USAID MWENDO OVC Project (2018–2019)

•           Strengthened 10 Local Implementing Partners in Nyanza and Western Kenya.

•           Rolled out case management as an OVC graduation model.

•           Oversaw grants and reporting compliance with USAID and CRS standards.

•           Project Officer, APHIA Plus Imarisha (2016–2018)

•           Supported marginalized communities in Tana River County.

• Strengthened CBOs and rolled out case management models.

•           Enhanced monitoring and evaluation frameworks for sustainability.

Assistant Coordinator, Maridhiano Community-Based Organization (2008 – 2016)

•           Led APHIA II Coast Project in Tana River County.

•           Directed program implementation, resource mobilization, and reporting.

•           Supervised social workers and volunteers to deliver high-quality services.

Early Career

•           Journalism Intern, Marvel Creations (2008)

•           Produced documentaries, conducted interviews, and edited video content.

•           Coordinated production of the Kenya Ferry Services Documentary.

Key Strengths

•           15+ years of experience in child protection, care reform, and safeguarding.

•           Expertise in policy development, stakeholder engagement, disability inclusion, and family strengthening.

•           Certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) with strong skills in coordination, monitoring, and reporting.

•           Proven ability to build partnerships across government, NGOs, and communities to drive systemic change.

• Project Management Professional (PMP®), Project Management Institute (PMI), 2 0 2 5
• Bachelor of Business Administration, Kenya Methodist University- 2013
• Diploma in Journalism, Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) – 2007  
• Certificate in Mass Communication, Mombasa Polytechnic University- 2005

Technical Skills

Child Care Systems Reform

• Care Reform
• Child Protection System Strengthening
• Training Delivery, On job training,
• Mentorship, Coaching, Supportive
• Supervision
• Investing in Social Service Workforce
• Investing in Family Support Services

Safeguarding & Protection

• Safeguarding Training, Implementation & Compliance
• Disability Inclusive Child Protection
• Child Rights Based Programming
• Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse,
• and Harassment (PSEAH)
• Prevention of Violence Against Children
• Child Protection Case Interviewing

Family & Community Strengthening

• Family Strengthening
• Case Management
• Faith engagement
• Alternative Family Care Promotion-Kafaalah, foster care

Project Management

• Coordination, implementation & monitoring activities
• Documentation
• Stakeholder management & referral
• Problem solving & decision making