As the continent celebrates the Day of the African Child on Friday, children still face many forms of abuse.
According to the Directorate of Children Services report 2021-2022, over 70 per cent of the children in Bungoma county are at risk of abuse.
The report further reveals that 61 per cent of children between the ages of 12-17 who face abuse are not sure where to report and get support.
It indicates that over 81 per cent of children in Nairobi and Mombasa have access to the internet.
This year’s Day of the African Child theme is: Protecting children in the digital environment.
Children rights defenders in Bungoma say the internet is a great resource for children but also a risk to them. While online they may meet new people who change the conversation from friendly to sexual.
While on the internet children are exposed to predators, cyber-bullying and harmful content that might paint the minds of children negatively.
Speaking to the Star in her office, Rodah Wanjala, the children’s officer in charge Webuye West and East, said 4,900 child abuse cases were reported out of which 70 per cent were of neglect.
Wanjala said defilement cases are low because very few are reported to the relevant authorities.
“As we advocate for the children's rights in Kenya, there are some people within our communities who harass and breach the rights of children,” Wanjala said.
She said the common forms of child abuse include defilement, child labour, neglect, and online child abuse.
She said every child is entitled to education, health, security and shelter, and asked parents to work hard and support their children to go school and get empowered academically.
If children are empowered academically and economically the society will have responsible people who are able to take care of future generations.
Wanjala affirmed the government is developing a policy to protect children from abuse.
Bungoma children rights defender David Lupao said the population of children in the county is approximately 927,000.
