Kericho: Kericho East Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Kibe Maguta has called on communities to take the lead in nurturing morally upright and socially responsible children, stressing that faith, character, and peer encouragement are critical in raising a values-driven generation. Speaking during the Day of the African Child commemoration at Kericho Rehabilitation Centre and Remand Home, Maguta said academic success alone is not enough, urging for a stronger spiritual foundation to instill values that endure beyond the classroom.
According to Kenya News Agency, Maguta emphasized that moral character must accompany educational success, asserting that true progress lies in raising children who add value to society. During the vibrant celebration themed 'Planning and Budgeting for Children's Rights: Since 2010', learners took center stage, turning the occasion into a dynamic expression of youth empowerment and advocacy. Through spirited songs, captivating dances, and thought-provoking choral verses, they infused the event with color and energy while powerfully articulating their understanding of fundamental rights.
Representing the Kericho County Commissioner at the event, Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Preston Ochieng underscored the government's unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more nurturing environment for children. He called on all parents, guardians, faith leaders, and institutions to actively play their part in securing the rights and dignity of every child.
Meanwhile, Kericho County Coordinator for Children's Services, Grace Kipkech, outlined intensified government efforts to uplift vulnerable children through a raft of targeted interventions. These include the doubling of bursaries for needy boarding students and a monthly stipend to orphaned and vulnerable children. Kipkech further revealed a deliberate shift in policy toward family-based care, advocating for foster and adoptive parenting over institutionalization.
Also present was Kericho County Probation Officer Wycliffe Wathome, who called for urgent reforms in the handling of child-related cases in the justice system, emphasizing the need for rehabilitative approaches that prioritize the child's best interests. As the continent marks the International Day of the African Child, the memory of the brave Soweto children continues to echo through generations, reminding us that the fight for dignity, equity, and opportunity begins in the classroom and lives on in the voices of today's youth.