Nyeri: The International Labour Organization (ILO) has focused its efforts on eradicating child labour within the coffee and tea sectors across four counties in Kenya. This initiative is part of the larger Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in Africa (ACCEL) program, targeting Nyeri, Kericho, Kisii, and Meru counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya’s ACCEL-Africa Project Coordinator, Hellen Rintari, outlined the programs being conducted under this initiative, which include training on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and sensitization workshops aimed at protecting children from exploitation. “Our main focus is to accelerate our actions towards the elimination of child labour, especially in the agricultural sector,” Rintari stated. She emphasized the significance of the tea and coffee sectors in this initiative, with Nyeri being one of the focal points. The program is part of the buildup activities leading to the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12.
Statistics from the ILO reveal that one in four children in Kenya and the broader Sub-Saharan Africa region are subjected to some form of labour exploitation. Additionally, data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicate that 8.5 percent of children in Kenya, approximately 1.3 million, are engaged in child labour. While 30 percent of these cases arise from ASAL counties, the agricultural sector, particularly the tea and coffee industries, significantly contributes to child exploitation.
Rintari explained that part of the ACCEL objective is to involve youth in accessing decent employment opportunities. Collaborating with the Government of the Netherlands, the initiative is also focused on training staff from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to enhance justice delivery for children involved in labour. “We have trained the Deputy County Commissioners in all four counties as they are key holders of the security apparatus,” Rintari noted, highlighting the project’s collaboration with the government on policy adjustments.
Nyeri County Labour Officer, Joan Wangari, affirmed the government’s close cooperation with stakeholders to address child exploitation in workplaces. She emphasized the importance of public awareness and safeguarding children’s rights to combat child labour effectively. “Our main aim in this stakeholders’ engagement forum is to ensure awareness among community leaders to fight child labour,” Wangari stated.
Joseph Kabuthia Mburu, Nyeri County Children Officer, stressed the role of parents in safeguarding children’s rights to help them achieve their full potential. He pointed out that while children could engage in small family chores, child labour hampers their development, education, and growth. “Child labour is detrimental to children’s development because it prevents them from reaching their full potential,” Mburu emphasized.