Ucembe, Stephen2024-10-142024-10-142013-06https://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5435MASTER OF ARTS in Child DevelopmentInstitutionalization of children continues regardless of the substantial negative consequences such as delays in intellectual development, insecure attachments, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, anti-social behaviour and delinquency. Research has shown that many children who enter institutional care at a young age are physically, socially and emotionally underdeveloped. The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children in institutional care at St. Paul‟s Children‟s Care Centre, Nairobi County. The research design used was a case study. The researcher used primary data which were collected using selfadministered questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions. The study used a qualitative approach. The data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics for qualitative data. Under findings, conclusions and recommendations, the institution under study had 3 caregivers against 65 children; it recommends the ratio of children to caregivers be one staff member for every 10 children as provided in the National Standards for Best Practices in Charitable Children‟s Institutions. In addition, 89.5 % of the children said they did not play with their Caregivers during play time. As to whether children were allowed to interact with other children outside the institution, 42 % of the children, in this case the majority said they were not allowed at all. It recommends that Caregivers be more responsive to social-emotional needs of the children. In addition, children should have a loving, caring and secure environment that maximises their growth and development.enInstitutionalizationChallenges Faced by OrphansVulnerable ChildrenInstitutional CareSt. Paul‟S Children‟S CentreThesis