Thika: As the country joined the rest of the continent in marking the Day of the African Child, scholars and child welfare advocates have sounded the alarm over the increasing impact of climate change on African children. They cited rising cases of displacement due to floods and droughts, water and food insecurity, and increased health risks as consequences of the climate-related crisis.
According to Kenya News Agency, stakeholders emphasized the need for African governments to come up with sustainable climate change mitigation measures, including tree planting, water provision, and waste management, among others. Speaking to journalists at Mount Kenya University Main Campus in Thika, the Principal Corporate Services at Mount Kenya University, Prof Peter Wanderi, highlighted the high cases of school absenteeism during floods and droughts, noting that children are subjected to psychological trauma and other health risks such as starvation. He urged African governments to implement climate change interventions to prevent the recurrence of such issues.
Despite progress in protecting the rights of African children over the years, the stakeholders noted that children continue to suffer devastating consequences, including psychological trauma, displacement, recruitment into armed groups, disruption of education, and heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and death, particularly in war-torn regions. They called for concerted efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for children.
Prof Wanderi stressed the need for clear policies on government support for the education and healthcare of African children to protect them and safeguard their future. His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Daniel Oloo, a university lecturer, who emphasized the growing threats children face in the digital space. He noted that while technology has provided opportunities for learning and communication, it has also exposed children to new forms of abuse. Dr. Oloo called for strengthened cooperation among governments, civil society, and academic institutions to create safer spaces for children to grow and thrive.
Stella Chao, a university student and children's rights advocate, decried the negative impact of conflicts across the continent on the socio-economic development of children. She urged leaders and policymakers to invest in empowerment programs that educate children about their rights and equip them with life skills.