6th Children’s Internet Governance Forum
Date: May 10, 2025 I Tharaka Nithi County
Introduction
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a global, multi-stakeholder platform that facilitates discussions on Internet governance policies and practices. It brings together representatives from government, the private sector, the technical community, academia, and civil society to engage in open, inclusive, and informed dialogue on the development and regulation of digital spaces.
The Kenya IGF convened by KICTANet, is a National Initiative (NRI) within the IGF process which has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s Internet governance landscape since its inception in 2008. Over the years, it has provided a national platform for stakeholders to discuss key digital policy issues, ensuring that Kenya remains at the forefront of progressive Internet governance.
Within this ecosystem, the Kenya IGF Children’s Forum convened by Watoto Watch Network plays a crucial role in ensuring that young voices are included in Internet governance
discussions. Given the increasing number of children engaging in digital spaces, it is imperative to equip them with knowledge, skills, and a platform to contribute meaningfully to the digital policy landscape.
The Role of Children in the IGF Ecosystem Children and young people are among the most active users of the Internet, using digital technologies for education, entertainment,
communication, and self-expression. However, they also face unique challenges, including exposure to online risks, cyberbullying, data privacy concerns, and digital literacy gaps.
The Children’s IGF is designed to empower young users by amplifying their voices, fostering safe digital environments, and ensuring that their perspectives shape Internet governance discussions. It aligns with key IGF principles:
- Openness and Inclusivity – Encouraging broad participation from children across diverse backgrounds.
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement – Bringing together various actors, including educators, policymakers, and child rights advocates, to create an inclusive digital policy framework.
Bottom-up Decision-Making – Ensuring that children influence discussions and contribute to digital policies that impact their online experiences.
Event Details
Date: May 10th, 2025
Location: Tharaka Nithi County
Target Participants: 90 children, 10 teachers, 20 stakeholders (including policymakers, civil society representatives, and private sector partners)
Theme: “The Internet We Want – Empowering All Children”
Objectives
- Incorporating Children’s Voices in Internet Governance – Providing a platform for children to share their views on digital policy, online safety, and Internet governance
matters. - Identifying Emerging Issues – Highlighting challenges such as cyberbullying, misinformation, privacy violations, and accessibility gaps to inform policymaking.
- Raising Awareness on Child Online Safety – Educating children, teachers, and guardians on best practices for safe and responsible Internet use.
- Providing Access to Digital Literacy Resources – Sharing educational materials, such as the Digital Enquirer Kit Youth, to enhance digital literacy, critical thinking, and online
resilience among children.
Expected Outcomes
• Increased child participation in national and regional Internet governance discussions.
• Improved understanding of digital rights, online safety, and responsible digital citizenship among children.
• Strengthened partnerships between government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to promote child-friendly Internet policies.
• Development of actionable recommendations to enhance child online protection frameworks in Kenya.
6. Key Activities
• Panel Discussions: Child-led conversations on key digital policy topics.
• Workshops & Training Sessions: Interactive sessions on digital literacy, online safety, and responsible Internet use.
• Stakeholder Engagement Roundtables: Discussions between children, educators, and policymakers on enhancing digital safety measures.
• Breakout Sessions & Group Exercises: Engaging activities to encourage peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing.
7. Conclusion
The 6th Kenya IGF Children’s Forum 2025 will serve as a vital platform for children to actively participate in shaping Internet governance policies that impact their digital experiences. By fostering dialogue, enhancing digital literacy, and advocating for safer online environments, the forum will contribute to a more inclusive and child-friendly Internet
ecosystem.
Through collaboration with stakeholders across different sectors, the event will pave the way for policies and initiatives that safeguard and empower children in the digital space, ensuring that their voices remain central in Internet governance conversations.
