Busia: The Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya (FPFK) has introduced a digital system designed to report child protection issues, supporting government efforts to ensure child safety. The app, named Linda Mtoto Early Warning System, sends cases via text messages to the project management before forwarding them to relevant government agencies for action.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kevin Magero, the Linda Mtoto system operator, emphasized during a sensitization forum at the Busia County Commissioner’s Conference Hall that fear for personal safety often deters individuals from reporting such cases. To address this, the organization trained community members who support human rights to utilize the system, which operates in Teso North, Teso South, Teso Central, and parts of Busia Subcounties.
Magero detailed the system’s reach: 21 locations in Teso North, two in Teso Central, five in Teso Central, and two in Busia. Eveline Achieng’, the Linda Mtoto project officer, reported high instances of child neglect, gender-based violence, and child bartering. She stressed the need for increased sensitization and mentioned that the organization supports school dropouts in continuing their education.
Achieng’ highlighted that the system aids both their work and government efforts by training community members to adopt technology. The system ensures anonymity for those reporting, with only the system analyst knowing the details, thus protecting informers’ identities while relaying information to government agencies.
Teso South Deputy County Commissioner, John Kichwen, praised the initiative for its effectiveness in managing reported cases. He encouraged parents and stakeholders to raise children responsibly to eradicate societal vices. The Linda Mtoto project was launched in Busia in July 2024 to combat child abuse along the Busia and Malaba borders.