Parents in Mogotio Sub-County, Baringo, have been warned against exposing their children to child labour and instead put them through school for them to have a bright future.
Deputy County Commissioner Mogotio Sub-County, Albert Mwaringa, while speaking to KNA on phone, said that there is a worrying trend in Mogotio as more children have abandoned school to engage in farming activities and the boda-boda business.
“I challenge all parents to ensure they protect their children’s rights and encourage them to stick to education as the government directives calls for education for all children,” Mwaringa said.
He further stated that the male children are the major culprits and their female counterparts are also dropping out of school due to early marriages and retrogressive cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation.
Mwaringa warned parents that any child of school going age found at home engaging in child labour would face the full force of the law.
He therefore tasked the ‘Nyumba kumi’ elders in the region to consider taking roll calls for all children who are absent in schools and also urged them to report parents who are exposing their children to duties that are not meant for the young.
He warned parents as schools are closed, that they should protect their children and ensure they all prepare to get back to school when schools resume next week.
By Caroline Cherono
