Eldoret: Eldoret High Court Presiding Judge, Justice Reuben Nyakundi, has affirmed the government's commitment to protect and promote the rights of children by ensuring access to quality education, shelter, food, healthcare and others to preserve the next generation, which is the foundation of the national heritage. He spoke when he graced The Day of the African Child 2025 with the theme, 'Planning and budgeting for children's rights: progress since 2010,' in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu. The day is celebrated annually on June 16 to commemorate the 1976 Soweto uprising and advocate for the rights and well-being of African children, such as access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from violence and exploitation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Justice Nyakundi emphasized the importance of proper planning and budgeting to support the needs of children. He noted that the protection and promotion of children's rights begins with society and called on all stakeholders and parents to cultivate an enabling environment to uphold these rights by planning and budgeting sufficiently at the household level. Justice Nyakundi stressed the necessity for accessible, quality education for every child in the continent and highlighted the theme's focus on strategic investment in children's wellbeing and development to build a prosperous and stable Africa.
Turbo Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mohamud Hassan echoed these sentiments, underscoring the government's efforts to safeguard children's rights through the Ministry of Interior. He highlighted significant steps taken by the government, such as the employment of 76,000 teachers last year to ensure quality education. Mohamud also emphasized gender inclusivity through targeted policies and programs to address the needs of all children, including those with special needs, and urged parents to prioritize their children's education despite challenges.
Uasin Gishu County Children's Officer Alice Wanyonyi urged government agencies and stakeholders to participate in protecting and promoting children's rights through proper planning and budgeting. She emphasized empowering children through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, protection, and participation.
Children's guest speakers, led by Mercy Chepkosgei, called for increased budget allocation for children's welfare and stressed that a nation's commitment to children should be reflected in its spending. They advocated for targeted interventions to address the unique needs of vulnerable groups, such as girls, children in conflict zones, and those in rural communities, and emphasized the importance of youth participation in policy-making processes.