Child rights defenders are warning that the child labour and sexual abuse undermine the rights of children to life, health, education and security.
Millions of children in Africa stare at diverse challenges in their daily lives.
In an exclusive interview with the Star, Grace Banya, head of regional project, International Labour Organization, said that child labour is a stark manifestation of social injustice, perpetuating inequality, poverty and a violation of the children’s rights.
“Child labour deprives children of their childhood, education and fundamental liberties,” Banya stated.
She said the injustice not only affects individuals but also undermines the progress of the societies. To achieve social justice, nations must confront the root causes of child labour and work collectively towards its elimination in Africa.
“To effectively combat child labour, we must address the systematic inequalities that perpetuate its existence,” she said.
Poverty, lack of access to education, discrimination and social exclusion are among the key factors that force children into labour.
She added, “By addressing these structural issues, we can create an environment that fosters social justice and provides equal opportunities for all children to grow and learn."
Banya told the Star that education is the cornerstone of social justice, providing a pathway out of poverty and exploitation among children. By guaranteeing universal access to quality education, a nation empowers children to break free from the cycle of child labour.
“Education equips children with knowledge, skills and critical thinking abilities, enables them to shape their future and contribute positively to the society,” she said.
She called on the government to prioritise investment in education by ensuring that it is inclusive, accessible to all and free from discrimination.
Banya said there is a need for a strong legal framework to combat child labour in Kenya. The government must enact and enforce laws that protect children from exploitation, setting clear standards and regulations for businesses and employers.
“There is a need for stringent penalties and accountability mechanisms to deter child labour practices in African countries by holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for victims,” she said.
According the Ministry of Education, in 2022- 2023 at least 15,680 children quit school due to child labour and poverty.
Banya said Bungoma’s proximity to the porous Malaba border has enhanced children's exportation.
Banya revealed there is high trafficking of underage girls from Karamojong in Uganda to Nairobi to work as house maids.
She said long queues along Kanduyi- Malaba highway have also increased sexual abuse among young girls who hawk items.
“Forced labour, sexual abuse are some of the evils that happen to children when trafficked to other countries with an intention of giving them employment,” she said.
Bonaya Kase, deputy labour commissioner, said that the government has put strategies in place to ensure that child labour issues are addressed.
The Ministry of Labour has scheduled training for the labour officers in the counties.
Agnes Naliaka, Bungoma CEC for gender, culture, youths and sports, said that the county has come up with a child protection policy which is in draft form.
The policy has already gone through public participation.
“We have involved all stakeholders and come up with the child protection policy which is waiting for validation then it will be presented to the county assembly of Bungoma for approval,” she said.
David Lupao, chairman of Bungoma County Child Rights Network, said the government should set up places within the county to assess the magnitude of child labour in the region.
