Bungoma Deputy Governor Jenipher Mbatiany has called on leaders and other stakeholders to join hands and combat the rising cases of child labour in the county.
Mbatiany said cases of child labour were high in Bungoma due to its proximity to the Malaba-Uganda border.
“Currently, we are aware that the menace is very high in our locality, as 15,680 children have been reported to be out of school and are involved in child labour tasks,” she said.
The deputy governor termed poverty as the major factor contributing to the soaring cases of child labour, hence the need for local leaders to come together and address the issue.
Speaking to journalists after the world marked the World Day against child labour, Mabatiany said the county government is making all efforts to curb the vice.
“Our first strategy is to fight poverty through an initiative by the county administration aimed at encouraging residents to embrace poultry farming.
International Labour Organization (ILO) project coordinator Grace Banya, said her organization will support the county government in fighting the vice.
“We are specifically here in Bungoma to create awareness and also support the devolved unit in the fight against child labour,” she said.
“We have also trained the police to help us protect the child, and we are equally working closely with the immigration department to ensure that trafficking of children across the border does not go on,” Banya said.
On his part, Deputy Labour Commissioner Bonaya Kasee said no child should be denied the right to be in school.
Kasee said that children have every right to play, the freedom to socialize, and to be in good health.
By Bronley Kidari and Roseland Lumwamu
