The International Labour Organization (ILO) Project Manager, Grace Banya, has asked stakeholders to increase efforts in the fight against child labour.
Banya says that according to research conducted by the ILO, 160 million children worldwide are still engaged in child labour, while Bungoma is reported to be among the counties that have the highest number of child labour and child trafficking cases.
“In Bungoma alone, 15,680 children are deprived of their dreams, their childhood, and their rights to quality education,” she revealed.
The rise is attributed to an increase in poverty as a result of ballooning population growth.
Banya said the worst forms of Child Labour involve children being enslaved, separated from their families, exposed to serious hazards and illnesses, or left to feed themselves at a very early age.
Banya, who spoke at Kanduyi D.E.B. Primary School during the World Day Against Child Labour, said that the child labour issue should be addressed decisively by all governments with a view to ending it.
She reiterated that there is a need to develop and strengthen advocacy campaigns as well as heighten awareness to ensure all children are protected.
Speaking at the event, Bungoma Deputy Governor Jenifer Mbatiany called on parents to protect their children against any form of exploitation.
“As parents, let us be at the forefront in fighting for the rights of our children; let us not be the ones who allow our children to be employed as house girls and Shamba boys,” she said.
By Roseland Lumwamu and Ivy Namulunda
