Kenya bans adoption of children

The Kenyan Cabinet has announced an immediate ban on the adoption of local children by foreign nationals. The East African reports that the decision follows several high-profile cases, including one where an American couple won a 'vicious' adoption battle against the state. The baby was handed over to the couple last Wednesday, two years after the family was granted legal guardianship by the Nairobi’s Children Court. A special meeting at State House in Nairobi which was chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta, directed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to formulate a new policy document to regulate the adoption of children by foreign nationals in Kenya. The Cabinet also directed the ministry to streamline the operations of the Child Welfare Society of Kenya and those of children homes around the country. A report on the IoL site notes that adoption agencies and legal firms representing the children have been accused of engaging in human trafficking.