Child neglect, early pregnancies, and female genital mutilation have been pinpointed as major violations of child rights affecting the development of young girls in Marakwet West.
These concerns were echoed during a sub-county advisory council training workshop in Kapsowar aimed at addressing child rights issues in the region.
The workshop shed light on the alarming rate at which girls are dropping out of school due to the lack of proper parental guidance.
Participants expressed dismay at the widespread ignorance among parents regarding the provisions of the Children’s Act, leading to inadvertent participation in child rights abuses.
“Many parents are unaware of the legal framework safeguarding the rights of their children, which perpetuates harmful practices,” noted Winfred Maeri maendeleo ya wanawake representative.
Of particular concern was the handling of cases involving sexual abuse. Parents and relatives of sexually abused children were urged to treat such incidents as criminal cases, and refrain from settling them through mediation or traditional methods.
“These cases must be dealt with through legal channels to ensure justice for the victims,” emphasized Stephen Cheruiyot a workshop facilitator.
He added that the effective implementation of laws such as the Sexual Offences Act is pivotal in punishing predators and deterring future violations. With the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, safeguarding the health and mental well-being of survivors is paramount.
“It is imperative to follow up these cases to their logical conclusions, providing necessary support to survivors,” stated Elias Kurui representative from the National AIDS and STIs Control Program (NASCOP).
Additionally, the workshop emphasized the importance of timely medical attention for sexually abused children. Awareness campaigns were recommended to educate the public about seeking medical help within 36 hours of an incident to prevent infections and provide necessary treatment.
The two-day workshop, organized by the children’s department and NASCOP, aimed to equip council members with the knowledge and legal provisions necessary to combat child rights violations effectively. The council, comprising ward officers, chiefs, children officers, and various government departments, is expected to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights of children in Marakwet West.
The media also came under scrutiny during the workshop, with concerns raised about the screening of immoral and inappropriate content detrimental to minors.
“We must hold the media accountable for exposing children to harmful material,” urged John Rono a participant calling for responsible media practices to safeguard children’s well-being.
Comprising ward officers, chiefs, children officers, and various government departments, the sub-county advisory council pledged to raise awareness and take decisive action against child rights violations. Through collaboration and concerted efforts, they aim to create a safer environment for children to thrive and fulfill their potential.
By Rennish Okong’o
