During this year’s International Day for the African Child, held at Inkinye, Kajiado Central Constituency, Kajiado women groups received a cheque of Ksh11 million gainfully to cushion them against the economic hardships of Covid-19 pandemic.
By Albert Lemomo
The Ministry of Public Service and Gender in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and Kajiado County Government had yesterday, Tuesday marked celebretions in commemoration of the International Day of the African Child at Inkinye, Kajiado County.
Cabinet Secretaries Prof. Margaret Kobia and Mr Keriako Tobiko presided over the event and took the lead in donating 100 tonnes of assorted foodstuff to the vulnerable who have been affected during this COVID-19 pandemic period.
Besides, they planted trees, donated dignity kits to boys and girls and also commissioned a milk cooling plant.
In her keynote address, Prof Kobia acknowledged the challenges that boys and girls are facing today such as child labour, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancy, child marriage among others.
The CS said she was optimistic that this year’s celebrations and dialogue will culminate in serious introspection and commitment to the protection of children rights in Kenya.
She called on concerted efforts by all stakeholders starting with parents, as the first duty bearers, to take the first responsibility of protecting their children from harmful practices and negative influence that prevents them from achieving their full potential.
“The government continues to ensure that the rights of our children are maintained to the latter especially during this time of Covid19 whereby children are currently at home and they might be exposed to various forms of threats from FGM and early marriage among other forms of violence,” reiterated Prof Kobia.
She noted that the justice system in the country is now friendlier to ensuring all pending cases pertaining children are fast track and they get justice.
“Through the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, administration officers are committed to ensure that our children are protected from any harmful practices and their rights are not being violated in every corner of this Country,” the CS added.
In his remark, CS Tobiko lauded Kajiado County for setting precedent in safeguarding the rights of children especially the girl child by implementing the County Anti-FGM policy and child protection Bill that will cushion against injustices employed on girls.
He urged the residents to educate both girls and boys since education has made all equal and is the only key to a successful future.
The CS warned residents against charcoal burning saying he will come back to the county for a tree planting exercise, in an effort geared towards achieving 10% tree cover in the country by 2022.
Governor Joseph Ole Lenku applauded CS Tobiko for championing the restoration of Mau forest saying it has not only brought pride to the people of Narok County but to the entire Country.
Thereafter, the leaders handed over Cheques worth Ksh11 million from Women Enterprise Fund for women groups in Kajiado County to cushion them against the economic hardships of COVID-19 pandemic.
The Day of the African Child is observed on June 16 to commemorate the massacre of hundreds of protesting children of color by Apartheid security forces in South Africa in 1976.
Among those other leaders present at the event includes; UNFPA Country Representative, Mr. Ademola Olajide, Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon. Rachel Shebesh, Anti-FGM Board Chairperson Agness Pareiyo among other distinguished guests.
