of a child protection policy that will seal the gap of legal framework
in dealing with children’s affairs in the county.
Addressing the press during the fourth committee meeting in a Kisii
hotel, Echate applauded the team for achieving 85% development of the
county policy document and expressed optimism it will be complete in
the next two months.
Echate said the effort by stakeholders would ensure that it met the
threshold of the anticipated public participation, the cabinet
scrutiny and the County Assembly debate which are mandatory before the
County governor appends his signature for the county to adopt the
document.
The Committee Chairman, James Morande who is a prosecuting counsel in
the County ODPP office said the document concentrates on health
matters, Social development, education and empowerment of needy
children in the County where children comprise 52 % of the total
population.
County Children’s coordinator Beatrice Ogutu said the policy document
which is informed by various Acts and statutes which are under the
custody of various stakeholders will streamline activities of the two
levels of government with each understanding its full mandate in
handling children’s affairs.
She said the document once adopted will ensure that data is
centralized for easy access to ensure gaps are addressed.
Kennedy Odera, Senior Project Officer Systems strengthening Of Mwendo
Project at Catholic relief services said Kisii is among the 17 counties under their support.
Odera called for speedy development of the document saying at least
17,900 orphans and vulnerable children in the County will benefit from
the legal framework.
He explained the reasons behind the exercise which include
streamlining allocation of resources for children support by various
stakeholders to avoid duplication.
by Jane Naitore and Clinton Nyamumbo
