Busia: Busia County has launched a children's policy aimed at advancing children's rights and protection within the county. The policy was introduced during the Day of the African Child celebrations at Busende Primary School, where Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga emphasized the importance of increased budget allocation for children's welfare and protection.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwachaunga highlighted the need for adequate funding to ensure children's security and protection, aligning with this year's theme of leaving no child behind. He stressed the significance of protecting children's rights and nurturing their potential, as they represent the future of society and the economy. The national government, together with stakeholders, is committed to safeguarding children's rights, with efforts to combat abuse, neglect, and early marriages. Mwachaunga cited a recent case where a perpetrator received a 25-year sentence for defiling a 14-year-old, underscoring the importance of public cooperation in providing evidence in such cases.
Busia Law Courts Chief Magistrate Ednah Nyaloti called for effective implementation of the children's policy, urging stakeholder collaboration to create a safe environment for children. She noted rising cases of defilement, neglect, and child labor in the county, emphasizing the need for children's inclusion in land succession to protect their inheritance rights. Nyaloti highlighted the severe penalties imposed for child rights violations, reiterating the court's commitment to child protection.
Busia Governor Paul Otwoma, through a statement read by CECM treasury and economic planning Douglas Okiring, emphasized the importance of stakeholder commitment in budget allocations and program implementation. The governor announced investments in constructing Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classes to provide safe learning spaces and address food security and malnutrition by supplying food to ECDE learners.
Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Programme (REEP) Executive Director Mary Makokha pointed out ongoing challenges in the county, including child labor, marriage, defilement, and neglect. She called for the arrest of neglectful parents and the establishment of a safe house for rescued children. Makokha emphasized the need for full policy implementation, fast-tracking children's cases, and providing sign language interpreters in judicial and public service settings.
Everline Achieng from Free Pentecostal Church of Kenya under the Linda Mtoto Project highlighted the county's challenges, exacerbated by its border location, exposing children to labor, marriage, trafficking, and pregnancies. She advocated for increased budget allocations and awareness campaigns to protect children's rights. Achieng stressed the importance of recognizing the rights of children, especially those with disabilities, and raising awareness among parents and stakeholders.